Source: Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE, 6/1/17



Smithfield Foods Inc. said today it has completed its acquisition of packaged meats companies under Poland’s Pini Group. 

The closing followed Polish government approval. Purchase price and terms will not be disclosed.

The deal includes Pini Polska, a meat processing and packaging plant; Hamburger Pini, a case ready meat plant; and Royal Chicken, an investment project currently in development. These companies will be operated by Animex Foods, one of the largest food producers in Poland and part of Smithfield Poland, which is owned by Smithfield Foods.

"This acquisition aligns with Smithfield's strategic growth plans by strengthening our vertically-integrated supply chain in Poland and increasing our production of high-quality packaged meats products. It also capitalizes on existing opportunities for us to expand in areas with very attractive market dynamics and to develop scale over time," Smithfield Foods President and CEO Kenneth M. Sullivan said in a news release. "This is a win-win for Smithfield, as well as Poland's agricultural industry. This move will help the Polish meat industry become more competitive across European and international markets."

Smithfield Poland will now employ nearly 9,240 people, including nearly 240 former Pini employees, which will solidify the company's position as the largest employer in the Polish food industry.

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