American meat processing giant Smithfield Foods has issued a public call for over 2 million shares of listed Polish meat producer Animex as it intends to withdraw the company from public trade.


The announcement, made with subsidiaries SF Holding and Animpol, in which Smithfield controls 86% and 68.25% respectively, priced the shares at PlZ2.30 (US$0.57) each, a move valuing the company at PlZ56.7m. Subscription will take place between 23 January and 22 February.


Call organizer CA IB Securities revealed that Smithfield intends to acquire 2,113,415 shares, or 6.57%, of Animex – although together with its subsidiaries Smithfield intends to own all 24,652,500 shares, or 100%, of Animex.