JBS USA has brokered an equity purchase agreement to acquire US meat-packaging firm Empire Packing in a deal valued at $238m.

JBS USA will acquire Empire Packing’s case-ready production facilities and its Ledbetter branded retail products.

Brazil’s largest meat-processing company JBS confirmed the deal on the Brazilian stock exchange.

JBS USA CEO Andre Nogueira said: “Today’s announcement highlights our on-going commitment to diversifying our product offerings.

“Empire is a longstanding, respected family-owned company with strong leadership and quality assets in strategic locations across the US that fit well in our business model.”

Empire Packing has production facilities across the US. It provides case-ready meat solutions for beef, grinds, pork and chicken products.

JBS USA will acquire all five of Empire’sproduction facilities. These are located in Cincinnati (Ohio), Denver (Colorado), Mason (Ohio), Memphis (Tennessee) and Olympia (Washington).

Completion of the deal is subject to regulatory review and government approvals.

In May 2017, JBS USA completed the acquisition of Danish Crown’s bacon, ham and deli meat business Plumrose USA for $230m.

JBS acquired five prepared foods facilities and two distribution centres in the US.

The acquisition formed part of JBS’ global strategy to enlarge its footprint in the prepared foods and branded product sectors.

Plumrose produces a wide range of meat products, such as bacon, ham, sliced deli meats and cooked ribs.