SÃO PAULO – JBS SA has agreed to acquire Vivera, a European plant-based food company, for €341 million ($410 million). Vivera is Europe's third-largest plant-based food producer, according to the company. The deal includes three manufacturing facilities and a research and development center located in the Netherlands.

Vivera produces a range of plant-based meat replacement products, including meatless chicken nuggets, hot dogs, steaks, bacon and burgers. Vivera products are distributed to retailers in more than 25 countries across Europe.

“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 plans to manage Vivera as a standalone business with its current leadership remaining in place, the company said. Vivera employs approximately 400. 

“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 addition of Vivera increases JBS's growing plant-based portfolio, which includes the Planterra, Seara's and Incrivel lines.