Brazilian meat processor JBS is said to be vying to acquire Dutch plant-based business Vivera.

JBS is reportedly leading the charge to purchase Vivera and is in advanced talks with the firm, while ‘other large consumer companies’ are also interested, according to sources with knowledge of the matter cited by Bloomberg, which said valuations could put a price tag of EUR300m (US$359.4m) to EUR400m on the deal.

Vivera, founded in 1990 as Encko-Vivera, a traditional protein company with a presence in vegan and vegetarian products, went fully plant-based in 2019 when it sold the meat part of the business Encko to Dutch meat processor Van Loon Group. Vivera has a small presence in Brazil with a distribution agreement with meat giant BRF.

The company announced a plan last year to invest EUR30m in one of its Netherlands plants over three years in an effort to double production of meat alternatives. Vivera is focused on the European markets, including the UK.

Vivera offers branded and private-label products mainly through retail and is backed by the Netherlands-based private-equity firm Gilde Buy Out Partners.

Bloomberg said no final agreement has been made between Vivera and JBS, which also majority owns the Pilgrim’s Pride poultry business in the US, adding the discussions could fall apart.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The news agency said JBS could not immediately provide comment on the talks, while Vivera had declined to comment.

just-food has also approached the two companies for comment.

Among the assets of Pilgrim’s Pride are Northern Ireland-based meat processor Moy Park, as well as other operations in the UK acquired in 2019 when the business snapped up the then Tulip from fellow meat processor Danish Crown.

just-food interview with Vivera CEO Willem van Weede, December 2020: “The growth is going to be from brands”