Monday, September 18, 2006
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Protects Missouri Interests, Calls for Antitrust Review
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today sent a letter to the U.S. Attorney General calling for an anti-trust investigation into the merger deal between Smithfield Food and Premium Standard Farms.
In a letter sent to the Honorable Alberto Gonzales Blunt requests a stringent and thorough review to ensure that the merger is fully compliant with all antitrust laws and regulations of the United States.
“This merger is an exciting announcement for these valued Missouri employers. While I look forward to their continued presence in our state, my first concern remains protecting Missouri farmers and Missouri jobs,” Blunt said.
Smithfield, Inc. and Premium Standard Farms, Inc. have Missouri operations. Smithfield, Inc., the nation’s largest hog producer, owns Farmland Foods, Inc. in Kansas City and Murphy-Brown, LLC in Nevada. Approximately 244 people work for Farmland Foods in Platte County and 32 for Murphy-Brown in Vernon County. Premium Standard Farms, Inc., the second largest pork producer, is headquartered in Kansas City and represents about 2140 Missouri jobs. An estimated 40 people work in Kansas City with another 2100 divided between facilities in Mercer and Sullivan Counties.
###
View copy of Gov. Blunt's letter to U.S. Attorney General