
Brazilian protein giant JBS has entered into an agreement to acquire domestic poultry firm Céu Azul Alimentos for BRL246m (US$110.9m).
“This acquisition represents an important step under JBS Foods’ strategy to increase its presence in principal international markets, in addition to strengthening its position in Brazil’s largest consumer centre,” JBS said.
Céu Azul is a fully-integrated poultry producer with a processing capacity of 330,000 birds per day. The deal includes two poultry processing plants, two feed mills and three incubators located in Guapiaçu and Itapetininga.
JBS stressed the firm’s facilities have export licences to global markets. Céu Azul began to develop its export business in 2002 and now sells chicken products to markets including the EU, Canada, Russia, Singapore and South Africa. The company operates brands such as Grand Frango, Frango Santa Rita and Céu Azul.
The acquisition remains subject to regulatory approval.