VION, the meat processing firm, is set to conclude a deal to sell its pork operations to management.

However, the deal under discussion does not have any bearing on its plans for its giant plant at Broxburn, West Lothian, which is scheduled to close in February with the loss of 1700 jobs.

Two weeks after revealing plans to sell its UK food businesses, Vion is reported to be in advanced talks to sell the pork processing unit to a management team backed by the Endless private equity operation.

With a portfolio that includes the Bathstore retail business, Endless says it provides investment and hands-on operational expertise to businesses facing challenges or finding themselves in special situations.

Asked to comment on the report, the spokesman said: "Discussions are continuing and we hope to be announcing progress in the near future." He did not elaborate. Talks about the sale of Vion UK's red meat and poultry arms, which employ around 2000 people in Scotland, are understood to be less advanced.