BRAZIL – Minerva Foods, a prominent exporter of fresh beef and its derivatives in South America, is acquiring Marfrig assets in Brazil following the green light from Brazil’s antitrust authority (CADE), as confirmed in a company press release. 

This acquisition involves 13 slaughter and deboning facilities for cattle and sheep, along with a distribution center, aligning with the transaction announced in August of the previous year.

With this acquisition, Minerva Foods increases its capacity to process 22,336 cattle daily across 21 plants in Brazil. 

The company is also advancing the integration of one cattle slaughter and deboning facility in Argentina, as well as a lamb processing plant in Chile, as part of the same agreement. 

The operations in Argentina will now handle 5,978 cattle each day across six plants, while the lamb facility will manage 25,716 head per day across five locations in Australia and Chile.

This deal enhances the company’s reach to international clients, particularly in markets such as North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. 

It positions Minerva as the primary supplier of beef to China, boasting the largest number of authorized plants for exports to that market.

The addition of the new facilities will enable Minerva Foods to better meet the increasing global demand for beef, leveraging efficient production capabilities from South America and capitalizing on operational and commercial synergies.

This strategic move is expected to optimize Minerva’s position in the global animal protein market, reducing risks and enhancing opportunities while streamlining cattle production across various countries in the region. 

Furthermore, this acquisition solidifies Minerva’s standing in the domestic sector, making it the second-largest beef producer in South America, and broadening its access within the regional market.

Fernando Queiroz, CEO of Minerva Foods, stated that completing this acquisition marks a significant advancement in the company’s strategy, complementing its existing operations throughout South America.

“Over the past three decades, we have established a strong foundation in the animal protein sector, connecting people with food and nature,” Queiroz remarked. 

The acquisition also includes three cattle slaughtering and deboning facilities in Uruguay, which are currently under review by the national competition authority. 

Overall, the deal encompasses 16 slaughter and deboning plants across South America and a distribution center in Brazil, with an estimated total investment of around US$1.53 billion.

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