September 30, 2013

The European Commission has approved the acquisition by JBS S.A. of Columbus Netherlands B.V., known as "Zenda", and the six companies that form the Brazilian "Seara" business, which are both currently owned by Marfrig Alimentos S.A.

Seara is primarily active in the rearing of live poultry and pigs for slaughter and in the production of primary and processed poultry and pork products in Brazil. Seara exports primary poultry and processed chicken to the European Economic Area (EEA).  Zenda produces leather for use in various sectors, including automotive, furniture, shoes and garment. JBS produces beef products, hides and other cattle parts and also has activities in pork and poultry. It exports its products, among others, to the EEA.

The proposed acquisition would not raise competition concerns, in particular because the overlaps between the activities of JBS, Zenda and Seara are limited, the Commission said. The transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.