Pilgrim's Pride Corporation announced a definitive agreement to acquire GNP Company, a leading provider of premium branded chicken products in the Upper Midwest, in an all cash, $350 million transaction. The proposal has the unanimous support of the Pilgrim's Board of Directors, as well as the support of JBS S.A., the majority owner of Pilgrim's. It is anticipated that the proposed transaction would close during the first quarter of 2017, subject to regulatory review and approval and customary closing conditions.
"The Pilgrim's team is excited to combine the collective strengths of Pilgrim's Pride and GNP Company," said Bill Lovette, Pilgrim's Chief Executive Officer. "GNP Company boasts outstanding state-of-the-art assets in geographic areas where Pilgrim's is not currently present, providing Pilgrim's the opportunity to expand our production and customer bases, while maintaining our high standards for quality service and great-tasting products."