Marfrig and Bertin terminate merger talks

Brazilian beef rivals Marfrig Alimentos S.A. and Bertin S.A. have ended merger talks, killing the prospect of a formation of Brazil's largest beef processing company.

Bertin has decided to focus on a US$1.6 billion five-year plan to nearly double slaughter capacity to 21,000 head per day, according to the company's executive director Fernando Falco.

He said a merger is currently not on the discussion table as the company is focused mainly on organic growth.

The two companies reportedly began merger talks in May amid the global economic recession, which negatively impacted Brazil's beef export industry.