The acquisition means that JBS will have a presence in Italy’s three largest regions for specialties of pork with the D.O.P. and I.G.P. seals -- Protected Denomination of Origin and Protected Geographical Indication. These classifications used by the European Union recognize the quality and unique characteristics of food produced in specific locations.

With the investment of €82 million (US$ 92.5 million), the company acquires four plants in Italy, two in the province of Parma, one in Vicenza and the fourth in Udine, as well as the entire operation of Principe in the United States, which includes a plant dedicated to slicing cuts in New Jersey.

The deal also covers the commercial operations of two historic brands renowned for their high quality in the Italian delicatessen market.

Present in the United States and in over 20 countries, King’s Group is a market leader in the production of Prosciutto di San Daniele D.O.P. and is an important player in the production of Prosciutto di Parma D.O.P., in addition to producing specialties like GranSpeck and Prosciutto Veneto D.O.P. The entire management of these assets will be assumed by Rigamonti, world leader in the production of Bresaola I.G.P.

The acquisition of King’s Group facilities and brands is strategic to the expansion of JBS in the United States and Europe, but also in other regions because the company will now have a portfolio and structure for producing and distributing authentic Italian specialties like prosciutto, bresaola, bologna sausage, speck and salami with certification of origin, using craft manufacturing and curing techniques.

“We are certain that JBS will work to preserve the intangible value of our brands and products with certification of origin, protecting the history of these veritable items of Italian heritage as it has already done with Rigamonti,” said Claudio Palladi, Rigamonti CEO.

JBS will also reap additional synergy in the US market where the company’s subsidiary Swift Prepared Foods is building a new Italian meats and charcuterie facility in Columbia, Missouri, expected to open in 2022.

“This acquisition is in line with our strategic approach of growing in high value-added products," said Gilberto Tomazoni, JBS global CEO. "It puts us among the leaders in Italian ‘salumeria’ and leverages our commercial strategy in the US, where we are investing US$ 200 million in an Italian specialties plant."

The deal was approved by the JBS board of directors and will be concluded after approval by antitrust authorities.