KANSAS CITY, MO. — JBS S.A. announced on Sept. 16 it was set to acquire a majority stake in Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. through its U.S. subsidiary JBS USA Holdings Inc. and that controlling shareholders of Brazilian rival Bertin S.A. and JBS would contribute to a new holding company with their stakes being 73% and 51%, respectively. JBS said it is estimated the respective equity value of Bertin and JBS should be in a proportion of approximately 40%-60%, respectively.

Once the Pilgrim’s Pride and Bertin deals are consummated and approved, which analysts predict will happen, JBS S.A. boasts the deals will make it "the largest multi-protein company in the world."

When a Tyson Foods spokesman was asked if his company had a comment on the most recent turns of events at JBS, Gary Mickelson told MEATPOULTRY.com: "While (these transactions) may change which company ranks the largest in the protein business, it won’t determine which company is the best. We remain focused on our own business strategies, which we believe will enable us to continue to provide the best protein products and service, both in the U.S. and around the world."