Cargill plans to acquire Provimi's worldwide animal nutrition business, which has operations in 26 countries and employs more than 7,000 people across Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America. The acquisition would strengthen and expand Cargill's existing operations creating a global leader in animal nutrition.

Paul Conway, Cargill vice chairman, commented: "The combination of Cargill and Provimi would create a new, world class animal nutrition offering with the expertise to offer customers a full range of enhanced products and services. This acquisition would mark a significant step in Cargill's animal nutrition growth strategy and underlines our commitment to continued long term investment to meet the needs of our customers around the world. We look forward to working with Provimi."

Cargill and Provimi have complementary market positions and strengths. Provimi has broad nutritional expertise and a wide portfolio of premix, additives and ingredients; Cargill's animal nutrition business brings expertise in compound feed, supply chain and risk management as well as access to global trends, knowledge and information from across the agricultural supply chain. The combination of the businesses would provide an increased range of capabilities and a global network to service customers.

Todd Hall, Cargill corporate vice president, commented: "Bringing together the talents and expertise of both companies is expected to open up new innovation and market development opportunities. Provimi's excellence in cutting edge technology and application, alongside Cargill's global supply chain and market insights should enable us together to develop and deliver a range of innovative, high quality products and services to customers."

Ton van der Laan, chairman and group chief executive officer of Provimi, said: "Cargill provided a clear and compelling case to become our new owner and we believe that a combination of its animal nutrition business with Provimi will create a stronger business, improving the delivery of innovative nutritional solutions to our customers. With Cargill's global presence and committed focus on animal nutrition, we can take Provimi to the next stage of its development. For our people, this is also a great outcome. Cargill can offer many opportunities and recognises the talent within Provimi. We very much look forward to working with our new owners in the future."

Cargill has a long history in the animal nutrition business, dating back to feed sales in 1884. The company currently has animal feed operations in 26 countries worldwide offering both branded and customised feed products and services, as well as ingredients for feed manufacturers and retailers.