InVivo NSA, a major French player in animal nutrition and health, has reached a deal to acquire Brazilian pet food producer Total Alimentos.

The acquisition would give InVivo NSA, a subsidiary of the InVivo Group, a "key position in the Brazilian" pet food market, the world's second biggest after the US.

Founded in 1975, Total Alimentos generates US$220 million a year in revenues and employs 1,400 people. The company, a family-owned company, is also into dairy cattle, horse and aquaculture feeds. It has 21 distribution centres across Brazil.

The acquisition of Total Alimentos is part of InVivo Animal Nutrition and Health's global market strategy, a press release from the company says.

InVivo Animal Nutrition and Health ranks among the world leaders in its sector with revenues of US$1.8 billion and a presence in 20 countries. The rapidly-expanding group is eager to quickly consolidate its position in the profitable and dynamic pet food sector in emerging markets.

Hubert de Roquefeuil, CEO of InVivo Animal Nutrition and Health, says "the acquisition of Total Alimentos creates a Latin-American leader on the pet food market where our Group already benefits from a key position in Mexico. It also gives us the opportunity to acquire pet food snacks and super-premium offers to be duplicated at world level and to strengthen our research ability in pet food."