October 20, 2009
Brazilian meat company Minerva eyes purchase of Aurora
Brazilian meatpacker Minerva is in acquisition talks with Santa Catarina state-based Cooperativa Central Aurora, local financial newspaper Brasil Economico reported Monday (0ctober 19).
The two companies have held talks in recent weeks, the newspaper reported. "Minerva is courting us, but we're a difficult bride," the newspaper reported Aurora's president, Mario Lanznaster, as saying.
The newspaper reported that Minerva aims to diversify by acquiring Aurora, which has poultry and pork activities.
The talks follow recent consolidation in the Brazilian meat sector by rival company Marfrig Alimentos SA as well as a merger between JBS SA and Bertin.
Press officers at Aurora and Minerva were unable to verify the report.
Brazil is the world's No. 1 beef exporter.
