S. AND W. BERISFORD WANTS TO STAY INDEPENDENT S.And W. Berisford Plc <BRFD.L>, which has attracted takeover bids, is making every possible effort to remain independent, deputy chairman Henry Lewis said after the company announced interim results. "We've taken specific steps to strengthen ourselves for this purpose," he added, referring to management changes and a corporate strategy of concentrating on four business sectors. Berisford aims to produced balanced earnings growth from a combination of commodities, property, financial services and food. Its industrial division, with assets of about 90 mln stg including debt, is being reviewed and parts may be sold.