PETITIONS to appoint an examiner to Valley Ice Cream (Ireland) Ltd and Valley Ice Cream (Distribution) Ltd are due to be heard by the High Court on July 14th next following an application by the companies' directors yesterday.

Mr Gerard Kilcoyne, director, of Mildmay, Leopardstown Road, Foxrock, Dublin, in an affidavit said the boards of the companies in Thurles, Co Tipperary, decided on July 2nd to petition for the court's protection.

The directors nominated Dublin accountant, Mr John McStay to act as examiner.

Mr Kilcoyne said the Valley Group had encountered financial difficulties. It was hoped any future trading of the Valley Group would involve continuing co-operation with Mars. This was notwithstanding the fact that in recent months, there had beep a significant dispute with Mars.