
JBS has acquired a 50 percent stake in Mantiqueira Brasil, the largest egg producer in South America, marking its entry into the industry. Control of the business will be shared with the company’s founder Leandro Pinto.
According to JBS, the purchase reinforces the company’s global presence and helps it maintain diversity across geographies and protein types. Currently, JBS operates protein businesses across five continents.
Mantiqueira Brasil produces 4 billion eggs annually, making it the tenth-largest egg producer worldwide, and operates facilities in six Brazilian states. It currently employs 3,000 people.
JBS said the deal valued Mantiqueira Brasil at US$321 million. The egg producer has approximately 17.5 million egg layers and breeders, and owns the Happy Eggs, Mantiqueira Eggs, Burrow Farm, Eggscelent and N.OVO brands. It has been rumored that JBS would invest in the company for over a year.
"This investment aligns with our long-term strategy, which includes diversifying our portfolio by entering new protein segments and investing in branded, value-added businesses," stated JBS Global CEO Gilberto Tomazoni.
Mantiqueira Brasil exports to other South American countries, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, presenting JBS with more global opportunities to grow its business.
"Egg consumption worldwide has shown consistent growth. It is an affordable, versatile, and healthy protein that reinforces our purpose of feeding the world," said Tomazoni.
Pinto added: "We are ready. We are leaders in Brazil, and with JBS's support, we will gain greater access to market opportunities and acquire the necessary expertise to become a significant competitor abroad. This partnership is a milestone in our strategic planning, which has always sought to combine organic growth with entry into new markets."
According to WATT Global Media’s Top Poultry Companies survey, JBS South America is the world’s largest poultry producing company, as well as the largest meat processor. It employs 270,000 people globally and slaughters over 4.4 billion broilers annually.