NORTHERN Foods and Greencore are continuing merger talks despite news that the owner of Harry Ramsden’s might be interested in making a bid for the company.

Northern Foods announced in November that it had agreed to merge with Irish food business Greencore, which employs 600 at its site in Barlby, near Selby.

Northern Foods confirmed it had been approached by Boparan Holdings, which owns fish and chip shop chain Harry Ramsden’s, on December 17 to request access to certain information under the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers, which applies to companies listed on the stock exchange.

“The letter contained no further details regarding Boporan’s intention and Boporan has not made an offer proposal to the board, nor has it indicated the price at which any offer may be made,” Northern Foods said.

“The board of Northern continues to believe that the proposed merger with Greencore Group to form Essenta Foods, which was announced on November 17, offers substantial benefits for its shareholders, customers and employees and will create a convenience foods business with a strong platform for further growth,” it said.

Boporan Holdings confirmed it was at the “preliminary stage in evaluating a possible cash offer for Northern Foods”, and that there was no certainty it would make an offer for the company.

Both Northern Foods and Greencore intend to hold meetings with shareholders on January 31 at 11am to continue discussions about the merger.