AFTER months of speculation it was confirmed yesterday that cash-and-carry giant Booker plc may sell its fish-farming wing Booker McConnell but it will also be willing to consider a partnership, a management buyout, or any other initiative that will secure the operation in the Highlands and Islands.
The company has 55 sites in the Highlands and Islands and two processing plants at Fort William and Stornoway.
There is a small Edinburgh office, but around 730 of its 760 employees are in the north and west, where it remains a highly significant employer.
In a statement yesterday the company made clear that following a strategic review it would sell several of its main businesses, but when it came to Marine Harvest McConnell and one other, a different fate was envisaged.
''New ownership structures will be sought for Arbor Acres group and Marine Harvest McConnell,'' the statement read. ''Booker will seek to establish ownership structures at the appropriate time, which will realise the significant and increasing value inherent in these specialists and allow Booker to concentrate on its core business with a dedicated and focused management team.''
Booker's chairman, Mr Jonathan Taylor, explained to The Herald yesterday what exactly that meant.
He stressed that there had been no approaches from Norwegian companies as has been widely speculated: ''What we are saying is that there may be alternatives to outright sale: joint venture, demerger, management buyout or some other way, although the probability is that there will be an eventual sale.
''But what we are also saying, particularly about Marine Harvest McConnell, is that we are not hurrying to sell this business. We believe that there is greater value to be accrued in the business as sterling moves, as the sea lice situation comes under better control, and as the productivity and high standards continue to come through. This business will become increasingly valuable.
''That will be of benefit to the shareholders and those who work in it, and to the benefit of Scotland. We are very conscious of the importance of this business to the rural economy of Scotland, in the Highlands and Islands, and we are going to be quite careful, deliberate and unhurried about any new ownership structure.
''We are not talking to anyone in Norway. The Dutch company Nutreco, which has also been mentioned, has not specifically approached us. We have been talking to some parties, but we are in no hurry and are determined to get it right.''
In the meantime, he said, Booker would continue to support the company.
Last night Dr Michael Foxley, councillor for the Ardnamurchan ward on the Highland Council, who also chairs the council's land and environment committee, said: ''I must have somewhere between a quarter and a third of the company's sites in my ward at the likes of Ardgour and Loch Sunart and so obviously there is great concern locally.
''I welcome the fact that Booker is not rushing out to sell Marine Harvest McConnell to the first outfit that comes along, regardless of their suitability or track record, and I also welcome their recognition of the significance of the industry to some of the most remote areas of the Highlands and Islands.
''Given that significance I certainly think we should be willing to work with the company to explore every avenue possible to find the best way forward for Marine Harvest McConnell, which would maintain levels of employment and ensure increased investment.
''Given this opportunity to contribute I think we should try and find a mechanism which would involve the workers, the local management, and the wider local community in the running of the company to the benefit of all.''
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