SPRINGDALE, ARK. — Tyson Foods Inc. announced on June 4 that it acquired the Thai and European business from meat producer BRF S.A. The acquisition includes four production facilities in Thailand, one in The Netherlands and one in the United Kingdom.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The four plants in Thailand produce fresh and frozen, value-added raw and fully-cooked poultry products, including highly specialized cuts for retail and food service customers throughout Asia and other markets. The processing locations in The Netherlands and the U.K. are supported by in-house innovation capabilities for developing further-processed chicken products for retail and food service customers. Brands include Grabits, Fribo, Golden Foods, Hot 'N' Kickin' Chicken, Perdix, Sadia, Speedy Pollo, Speedy and UML.

“The addition of this experienced and talented team combined with these businesses strengthens our capabilities and increases our reach to new markets,” said Noel W. White, president and chief executive officer of Tyson Foods. “I’m glad to welcome them to the Tyson Foods family. We’re now strategically aligned to better serve customers in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, building on our global strategy.”

Tyson also said approximately 90% of global protein consumption growth would be outside the United States, including 60% of volume growth in Asia over the next five years. 

“I’m excited to welcome our newest team members to Tyson Foods,” said Donnie D. King, group president of international and chief administration officer for Tyson Foods. “We’re working to make the integration of these operations as seamless as possible while maintaining high levels of service to our customers. This is a great team and I know they’re ready to work together as one company.”

On May 30, BRF S.A. and Marfrig Global Foods S.A. announced in security filings that the two companies are open to a potential merger. If the two companies are combined it would create one of the largest meat producers in the world.