Smithfield Foods, Inc., Smithfield, Va., acquired Pini Group's packaged meats companies in Poland. These companies will be operated by Poland-based Animex Foods and Smithfield Poland, which is owned by Smithfield Foods. The acquisition includes Pini Polska, a meat processing and packaging plant; Hamburger Pini, a case-ready meat plant; and Royal Chicken, an investment project currently in development.

"This acquisition aligns with Smithfield's strategic growth plans by strengthening our vertically-integrated supply chain in Poland and increasing our production of high-quality packaged meats products. It also capitalizes on existing opportunities for us to expand in areas with very attractive market dynamics and to develop scale over time," says Kenneth Sullivan, president and CEO. "This is a win-win for Smithfield, as well as Poland's agricultural industry. This move will help the Polish meat industry become more competitive across European and international markets."

Smithfield Poland will employ nearly 9,240 people, including approximately 240 former Pini employees.