By Andi Anderson
Bunge has officially completed its $8 billion merger with Viterra, creating a powerful new force in the global agriculture industry.
The merger had been in the works since 2023 and faced delays due to antitrust approvals in several regions. However, with recent support from China, the deal is now finalized.
Bunge, known as the world’s largest oilseed processor, joined with Viterra, a major grain handler and agri-product retailer.
This move strengthens their ability to compete with industry leaders like Cargill and Archer-Daniels-Midland, especially during a time when global crop trading profits are under pressure.
As part of the merger agreement, Viterra shareholders received around 65.5 million shares of Bunge stock valued at about $6.2 billion, along with $2 billion in cash. Bunge also took on $9.8 billion of Viterra’s debt and announced a $2 billion share buyback plan.
Viterra was a major player in grain handling, operating over 250 retail outlets in Western Canada and 17 in Australia. It is also the top industrial oats producer in North America. Bunge, now based in St. Louis, operated more than 300 processing plants in over 40 countries before the merger.
Together, the companies now have over 50,000 employees and more than $100 billion in annual revenue. Their combined global reach includes 125 crushing and refining facilities, 55 port terminals, and over 350 grain storage locations. They are expected to market over 230 million metric tons of commodities annually.
CEO Greg Heckman will lead the new company, supported by CFO John Neppl. Former Viterra CEO David Mattiske and Bunge’s Julio Garros will serve as co-chief operating officers.
As Glencore steps back, it plans to repurchase $1 billion in shares, holding 16.4% of the new company and $900 million in cash. This merger marks a turning point for Bunge’s future in global agriculture.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-giovanni1232
Categories: Illinois, Business