Little Things

ON WEDNESDAY, the Competition Authority cleared Greencore’s proposed merger of Northern Foods.

But there was no flag-waving in Patrick Coveney’s office in Santry. Greencore had pulled its bid 14 days earlier, conceding defeat to a rival offer from chicken king Ranjit Boparan’s BH Acquisitions Ltd.

In fact, just a few hours after the Competition Authority gave the green light to a deal that won’t be happening, Boparan’s offer for Northern Foods went unconditional.

For those still interested, the Competition Authority will release the public version of its determination no later than May 22nd.

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THE TRANSFER of Irish Nationwide depos its to Permanent TSB will also see Kerry GAA legend Eoin “Bomber” Liston swapping jerseys. The Bomber is a branch manager in Tralee.

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SMITH Williamson plans to open a fully-fledged “branch” office in Ireland, offering investment management and pension advice.

It has poached four staff from Goodbody Stockbrokers – Frank Brennan, Cedric Cruess Callaghan, Derek Ryan and George Flynn – and wants to have 12 within a year.

“We’re making a long-term commitment to Ireland,” Chris Kenny, who will head the Dublin office, said. Separately, I hear stockbroker Davy has 20 vacancies that it is trying to fill, including three at its new office in London.

It recently took over as company broker to Norish (previously NCB) and Merrion Pharmaceuticals (Goodbody).