Cargill acquires animal nutrition business in US$2.1-billion deal

Minneapolis, Minn. – Cargill Inc. has acquired Provimi, an animal nutrition business based in the Netherlands and owned by European private equity firm Permira, for US$2.1 billion.

As well as producing food and beverage ingredients, Cargill features a large animal feed and nutrition division. In 2001 the company acquired Agribrands, a spinoff from Ralston Purina, and in 2002 it bought Provimi Kliba.

“Today’s acquisition is a significant move for Cargill into the higher value-added segments in the animal nutrition market,” said Paul Conway, vice-chairman of Cargill. “Provimi has world-class expertise, knowledge and strong technical know-how, an area that we believe is key to the future of the industry. The wealth of talent within Provimi, along with its strong, established brand, makes it an exciting opportunity for Cargill.”