WEST BELFAST BASS JOBS ARE SAFE

BASS Ireland has retaliated to widespread speculation that there will be job cuts at their West Belfast plant on the Glen Road by saying there are no plans to close the brewery or downsize operations.

The company has issued a statement following the Office of Fair Trading announcement that Interbrew, who are currently involved in a long running legal battle over their acquisition of Bass Brewers, have four options to rectify their acquisition holdings.

The statement said: “It is important to understand that this announcement is simply another step in the regulatory process. No decisions have been made and the final outcome is far from clear. We are pleased that the OFT has proposed a wide range of outcomes and we welcome its efforts to bring the process to a close. Our aim will be to focus on providing the highest quality of service to our customers day in and day out and we will not let this decision stop us from pursuing that objective.”

Brian Houston, PR Manager for Bass Ireland Northern Ireland said: “Although the climate is very unsettling for us things are very much business as usual for us. Bass is a highly competitive company and runs a very cost-effective operation and we will continue to provide a high quality service to our customers. There are no plans to close the plant or downsize operations.”

The four options available for Interbrew include: Interbrew sells Bass Brewers; Interbrew sells the Whitbread brewing business and the licence rights to Stella Artois; Interbrew sells the Scottish and Northern Ireland assets of Bass, but is able to retain Carling, Bass Ale and some other minor brands; Interbrew retains Bass in Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as Tennent’s and Bass Ale brands and sell its remaining brands, including Carling.

The UK government and the Competition Commission blocked the combination of Interbrew and Bass Brewers - on the grounds that its 32 per cent market share was anti-competitive - it seems likely that the Belgian giant will have to accept one of these remedies.

The Office of Fair Trading wants comments from third parties by July 18. After that date, it will publish its advice to trade and industry minister Patricia Hewitt will make the final decision.

(AMcE)