1953

Was the beginning of our successful history

The history of JBS goes back to 1953 when its founder, José Batista Sobrinho, began operations at a small plant with capacity to process five head of livestock per day in the city of Anápolis, in the State of Goiás in West Central Brazil.

1968

The first acquisition

Acquisition of the first meatpacking plant in Planaltina (DF).

1970

Growth was just beginning

The second abattoir was incorporated by the company, increasing capacity to 500 head per day.

1970 - 2001

Continuous expansion through acquisitions and increased productivity.

JBS significantly expanded its operations in the beef sector in Brazil. Through acquisitions and investment in existing units, the company reached daily slaughter capacity of 5,800 head.

2001 - 2006

This year featured additional acquisitions

During this period the group expanded operations to 21 plants in Brazil and five in Argentina, increasing its slaughter capacity to 19,900 head per day. In 2005, the Company acquired 100% of Swift-Armour capital, Argentina’s biggest beef producer and exporter.

2007

IPO of JBS S.A. and entry into the U.S. market

JBS became the first in the sector to go public on the São Paulo stock exchange. Operations expanded through acquisition of US-based Swift Company, with entry into the US and Australian beef, pork and lamb markets.

2008

JBS expands its business abroad and consolidates its leadership in the meat industry

The Company acquired the Tasman Group in Australia, Smithfield Beef – the beef division of Smithfield Foods in the USA – and the Five Rivers feedlots, with capacity to finish on feed 2 million head of cattle per year.

2009

Entry in the poultry segment in the USA and merger with Bertin in Brazil

JBS increased its slaughter capacity by 5,150 head per day with acquisition of five units in Brazil, and incorporated Bertin, which until then the second-largest meat operation in Brazil. The Company also acquired controlling interest in Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (“PPC”) which marked its entry into the US poultry market.

2010

Expansion Continues

JBS acquired Tatiara Meats and assets of Rockdale Beef in Australia, along with the Toledo Group in Belgium. At that time the Company also announced acquisition of the McElhaney feedlot in the US and the expansion of its participation in Pilgrim’s Pride to 67.27%. During April and May of 2010, the Company did a follow-on issuing 200 million ordinary shares, representing around USD 1.0 billion.

2011

Focusing on Operations

The Board of Directors elected Wesley Batista as executive president and global CEO of JBS S.A., replacing Joesley Batista who became Chairman of the Board of the Group. In addition, the capital of the Company was increased by R$ 3.48 billion through a private issue of ordinary shares in exchange for convertible debentures.

2012

Exchange Offer and Vigor’s IPO

In the Unites States, JBS again increased its share in Pilgrim’s Pride, assuming 75.3% of its share capital. In Brazil, annual beef processing capacity went up by 2 million head and JBS began operations in the poultry segment, through the rental of Frangosul assets, thereby expanding its global output capacity in this sector by 15%. Vigor ceased to be a subsidiary of JBS and it was listed independently through a voluntary public offering, and today has its own independent corporate structure.

2013

Seara Acquisition

JBS acquired Seara Brasil, expanding its poultry and pork operations in the country. Through this acquisition, JBS is now the largest poultry processor in the world, with a daily processing capacity of 12 million birds, in addition to hold one of the leading brands in the processed food segment in Brazil.

Zenda Acquisition

JBS acquires Zenda, a major leather processor based in Uruguay, with operations in Mexico, Argentina, Germany and South Africa, as well as a commercial office and distribution center in the United States. The acquisition of Zenda makes JBS the largest leather processor in the world, supplying products to the automotive, furniture, shoe, and clothing industries.

2014

Acquisition of Tyson’s poultry operations in Brazil and in Mexico

JBS acquires Tyson Foods’ poultry operations in Brazil and Mexico. The transaction in Brazil, made by JBS Foods, involved 3 fully integrated production plants, with 5,000 employees and annual revenues of US$ 350 million. The acquisition of Tyson de Mexico was concluded by PPC, which now have an additional of three facilities adding 600,000 birds per day of capacity and 5,400 new employees added to the Company in Mexico.

Primo Smallgoods Group Acquisition

JBS acquires the global operations of Primo Smallgoods Group, a leader in the Australian and New Zealand markets for processed food products such as ham, sausages and bacon, and well-known brands. With the addition of Primo, JBS Australia operates a network of strategically located processing facilities and feedlots stretched throughout Australia’s east coast. JBS will maintain Primo running as a standalone business focused in high value added products.

2015

Moy Park Acquisition

JBS acquired Moy Park, one of Europe’s leading prepared food products and poultry producers, with 13 food processing and manufacturing units in the UK, France, Holland and Ireland and over 12 thousand employees. The acquisition represented an important step towards JBS’ expansion strategy in Europe with integrated production focused on innovation and powerful brands.

Cargill Pork business acquisition in USA

JBS acquired Cargill’s pork business in the US, the transaction added to JBS USA Pork two hog processing facilities, five feed mills, and four breeding units located in the States of  Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. Cargill pork business has a history of more than 30 years and with the acquisition, JBS became the second largest pork processor in the USA.

2016

GNP acquisition in USA

Pilgrim’s acquires GNP Company, a leading provider of premium branded chicken products which are distributed in nearly all 50 states under the well-recognized Just BARE® and Gold’n Plump® brand names. The acquisition includes three poultry production facilities in Minnesota and Wisconsin and provided Pilgrim’s the opportunity to expand geographically its production and its customer base. Also, GNP has a strong portfolio of certified organic, natural product lines.

2017

Plumrose USA Acquisition

JBS USA announces the conclusion of Plumrose Acquisition in continuation of JBS’ strategy of expanding its portfolio of branded, high value added prepared foods, and strengthening of its customer base and geographical distribution in the United States. Plumrose offers an array of prepared foods and high value added products including bacon, hams, sliced deli meats and cooked ribs, sold under well-known brands, and is a respected company, known for quality, service and superior products.

2019

Tulip Acquisition

PPC announced that it has signed a contract to acquire Tulip, a leading pork and prepared foods supplier with operations in the United Kingdom to create a clear leader in protein and prepared foods in Europe by expanding its prepared foods portfolio to 21% of Pilgrim’s global sales. The operation was closed on October 15, 2019

Marba Acquisition

This acquisition is in line with the Company’s strategy to increase the share of higher value-added and branded products in its portfolio. With annual revenues of around R$350 million, Marba is one of the most traditional brands of cold cuts and sausages, and a reference in the bologna segment in the state of São Paulo.

2020

Empire Packing Acquisition

JBS USA has entered into an equity purchase agreement with Empire Packing Company, L.P. (“Empire”) to acquire the company’s case ready production facilities and Ledbetter branded retail products for US$238 million. The acquisition includes operations of five production facilities located in Cincinnati (Ohio), Denver (Colorado), Mason (Ohio), Memphis (Tennessee) and Olympia (Washington), along with Ledbetter branded retail products. The operation was closed on April 06, 2020