JBS USA is buying Empire Packing Co. LP, its case ready production facilities and Ledbetter branded retail products, for US$238 million, according to a release from JBS S.A.
“Today’s announcement highlights our ongoing commitment to diversifying our product offerings. Empire is a longstanding, respected family-owned company with strong leadership and quality assets in strategic locations across the U.S. that fit well in our business model,” said Andre Nogueira, CEO of JBS USA.
The acquisition includes operations of five production facilities located in Cincinnati, Denver, Mason, Ohio, Memphis, Tenn. and Olympia, Wash. Empire Packing provides its grocery clients with case ready meat solutions and custom food processing and packaging services, and Ledbetter Foods branded products sold at retail nationwide.
JBS said the transaction is subject to regulatory review and government approvals.
The Brazilian beef processor has been focusing on acquisition opportunities at the markets where it already has operations since last year, when CEO Gilberto Tomazoni announced that the company was ready to resume growth through acquisitions.