IAWS and Kerry group bid for Hibernia foods

Kerry Group and IAWS, two Irish quoted food companies, have placed bids for Irish food group Hibernia, before the deadline for offers set by receiver KPMG expired last week.

There is speculation that Kerry's interests focus on Hibernia's readymade meals section of the business as Kerry group already holds 8% of the UK readymade meal market.

IAWS are thought to be interested in the company's own label desserts division. Hibernia Foods hold the European license for the Entemanns and Sara Lee brands.

The former Nasdaq listed Hibernia Foods company went into receivership last month, owing General Motors Acceptance Corporation €25m.

Hibernia, although registered in Ireland, has all its manufacturing done in the UK.