The purchase includes four production facilities in Thailand, and one each in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. According to BRF, the final value of the transaction totalled US$377m.
Tyson hopes these businesses will help build on its growth strategy to expand offerings of value-added protein in global markets.
“The addition of this experienced and talented team combined with these businesses strengthens our capabilities and increases our reach to new markets. I’m glad to welcome them to the Tyson Foods family,” said Noel White, president and CEO of Tyson Foods. “We’re now strategically aligned to better serve customers in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, building on our global strategy.”
Tyson’s global strategy is driven by predictions that approximately 90% of global protein consumption growth will occur outside the United States, with 60% of the volume growth coming from Asia over the next five years.
The four plants in Thailand produce fresh and frozen, value-added raw and fully cooked poultry products including highly specialized cuts for retail and foodservice customers throughout Asia and other markets, including Europe.
The processing locations in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom are supported by in-house innovation capabilities for developing further-processed chicken products for retail and foodservice customers throughout Europe. Products are sold under Grabits, Hot ‘N’ Kickin’Chicken, Speedy Pollo and the Sadia brands, in addition to some customer-owned brands.
“I’m excited to welcome our newest team members to Tyson Foods,” added Donnie King, group president of international and chief administration officer for Tyson Foods. “We’re working to make the integration of these operations as seamless as possible while maintaining high levels of service to our customers. This is a great team and I know they’re ready to work together as one company.”
BRF recently revealed that it was in talks with fellow processor Marfrig with a view to combining to create a new business.