Smithfield and Spanish meat processor merge

US pork processor Smithfield Foods has announced the merger of its European subsidiary with the largest processed meats company in Spain.

The combination of Campofrio and Groupe Smithfield Holdings SL will be called Campofrio Food Group, the company stated.

Prior to the merger, Smithfield already owned 24 per cent of Campofrio - it said that it now owns 37 per cent of the new company.

The merger creates the largest pan-European company in the packaged meats sector and one of the five largest worldwide, and the Campofrio Food Group will be listed on the Madrid and Barcelona stock exchanges.