Source:  Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 12/20/10

Sara Lee Corp. is weighing a sale to JBS SA or breaking up its core meats and beverages businesses and putting them up for sale, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, quoting unnamed sources familiar with the matter.

JBS approached Sara Lee and the talks have been on and off over several months, but in recent weeks Sara Lee has been considering JBS's offer more seriously, the WSJ reported.

No final decision has been made, according to the WSJ, and Sara Lee may decide against a sale, which would require a large amount of financing.

Sara Lee brands include Jimmy Dean sausages and Hillshire Farms meats. If those brands were sold separately, they could fetch interest from other meat companies.

Sara Lee CEO Brenda Barnes stepped down permanently in August after suffering a stroke. The WSJ sources said the need to first consider strategic options has delayed the CEO search process.
JBS officials could not be reached for comment.

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