Simmons Foods completes Peterson Farms buyout
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Siloam Springs-based Simmons Foods announced Monday it has purchased the broiler operations of Peterson Farms.
The family-owned producer of poultry products started negotiating with the Decatur-based company in April.
"We are very excited about bringing the Decatur operations on stream," company Chairman Mark Simmons said. "Being able to purchase and integrate existing broiler capacity located close to our Northwest Arkansas further processing facilities makes this a strong strategic fit. "
The purchase includes a feed mill, hatchery, processing facility, transportation vehicles, flocks and contract growers.
Jerry Laster, senior vice president for Simmons Foods, said the assets purchased from Peterson Farms will be renamed as assets of Simmons Foods.
The purchase will allow Simmons Foods to have additional raw materials to meet the needs of its further processing operations in Van Buren and Siloam Springs.
It's expected to bring the company to rank among the top 12 broiler processors in the United States.
Simmons Foods was founded in Decatur in 1949 by Bill Simmons and Frank Pluss.
The company sells its chicken products to national restaurant chains, club stores and bulk sellers.
It also sells frozen chicken products internationally.
The company's Simmons Pet Food division produces canned pet food, ingredients for dog food and animal nutritional supplements.
Peterson Farms was established in 1939 by Lloyd Peterson.
The company will retain its chicken breeder and cattle operations and the general store in Decatur, according to a June 8 article in the Herald-Leader.
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