Source:  Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 3/26/09

Media and analyst reports indicated that, as part of Tyson Foods' focus on expanding its international footprint, the company could be seeking red meat acquisition opportunities in countries such as Brazil, China, India and Argentina.

The Financial Times, dealwire.com and other outlets explored, among other possibilities, that the Springdale, Ark.-based protein giant could make a bid for the financially strapped Brazilian firm Sadia S.A.

However, Tyson officials told Meatingplace the talk is just talk. "Contrary to recent reports, Tyson has no new ventures under negotiation at this time," spokeswoman Libby Lawson said in an e-mail.

Tyson already has spread its chicken wings in China, India and Brazil, where it has entered into joint ventures with or acquired several poultry firms.

The mergers and acquisitions currently being bandied about would expand its global red meat presence, which currently includes a joint venture with Cresud and Cactus Feeders Inc. that formed the first vertically integrated beef operation in Argentina.

But Lawson called such reports "misleading," adding only that, "One of our strategies is to grow internationally."

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