Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board Signs Agreement in Support of Viterra Merger to Bunge

By Adriano Marchese

One of Viterra's largest shareholders, the Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board, said that it has signed an agreement to allow the merger of the company to agribusiness giant Bunge.

On Tuesday, Bunge and privately held agriculture network company Viterra signed a definitive agreement to merge in a cash-and-stock deal that would create a large diversified agribusiness with global reach.

CPP Investments, a Canadian Crown corporation which oversees and invests Canada Pension Plan funds and which owns 40% of Viterra, said that it has signed the agreement in support of the proposed merger.

Under the terms of the agreement, Viterra shareholders would receive about 65.6 million shares of Bunge stock with a value of $6.2 billion, as well as $2 billion in cash.

Of the transaction, CPP Investments would receive a roughly 12% stake in the newly combined business and about $800 million in cash.

Glencore and British Columbia Investment Management Corporation, who together own the other 60% of Viterra, will also become shareholders of Bunge.

The transaction is expected to close in mid-2024 after receiving the proper regulatory approvals and satisfying the closing conditions.

Write to Adriano Marchese at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

June 13, 2023 07:18 ET (11:18 GMT)

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