SÃO PAULO – JBS SA announced on April 19 that it would acquire Vivera, a large European plant-based food company, at a value of €341 million ($410 million). The deal includes three manufacturing facilities and a research and development center located in the Netherlands.

“This acquisition is an important step to strengthen our global plant-based protein platform,” said Gilberto Tomazoni, global chief executive officer of JBS. “Vivera will give JBS a stronghold in the plant-based sector, with technological knowledge and capacity for innovation.”

JBS said it plans to manage Vivera as a standalone business with its current leadership remaining in place.

“Joining forces with JBS gives us access to significant resources and capabilities to accelerate our current strong growth trajectory and Vivera brand expansion,” said Willem van Weede, CEO of Vivera.

The plant-based food company has about 400 employees and its products are available in 25 European countries.

JBS continues to grow its plant-based portfolio with its US-based Planterra’s Ozo brand and Brazilian Seara’s Incrivel line.