Impact of £1.2billion Bakkavor takeover by Greencore is unclear for Spalding, Holbeach and Bourne workers

A £1.2billion takeover of Bakkavor has been announced - but it is not clear what the impact of the deal will be for factory workers in south Lincolnshire.

Convenience food producer Greencore, which has a base in Wardentree Lane, Pinchbeck, has agreed in principle with the Bakkavor board a deal which could see the creation of a £4billion food business.

Bakkavor is a large employer within the region with factories in Spalding, Bourne and Holbeach St Marks.

Leader of South Holland District Council Nick Worth, said that it is too speculate what the impact of the takeover - if it happens - would be.

An announcement states: “The combined group would create a leading UK convenience food business with a combined revenue of c. £4 billion, with a diverse product offering, strong commercial relationships, managed by a broader set of customer dedicated teams, and highly competitive capabilities in attractive segments across the UK convenience food landscape, creating significant benefits for customers and consumers as well as a stronger contribution to the overall UK economy.

“The combined group would have enhanced capabilities across innovation, supply chain and operations further benefiting both customers and consumers through enhanced value across a complementary set of categories.”

Bakkavor produces meals, pizza and bread along with salads.

A long-running strike action at the Spalding site has recently ended.

Staff had been forming picket lines outside the West Marsh Road factory since September in a pay dispute but they returned to work last month.