Northern bid war looms as Greencore looks at sweetener

November 17 – Northern Foods unveils £1.7bn merger with Greencore to create Essenta Foods, with Patrick Coveney as chief executive and Simon Herrick as finance director.

November 23 – Northern chief executive Stefan Barden quits early to join food wholesaler Brakes in new year.

December 22 – Food tycoon Ranjit Singh Boparan confirms mulling cash offer for Northern.

January 4 – Takeover Panel issues Mr Boparan “put up or shut up” ultimatum.

January 21 – Mr Boparan submits last-minute 73p per share, £342m offer for Northern, winning its backing.

January 24 – Greencore says it still believes in Essenta deal and is “considering options”.