09 Mar 2018 --- US agricultural investor Continental Grain Co is reportedly pushing global agribusiness and food company Bunge Ltd. to consider a potential sale. According to Reuters, which cites an unnamed source close to the matter, Continental Grain, which is considered a powerful force in the global grain industry, discussed the potential for sale with Bunge after Archer Daniels Midland Co (ADM) approached the company about a takeover earlier this year.

The article does not make it clear how exactly New York-based Continental Grain would pressure Bunge. However, the anonymous source told Reuters that the company which invests in the farm and food industry had increased a stake in Bunge to more than 1 percent.

It also says that earlier this week, the US Federal Trade Commission confirmed Continental Grain owned Bunge shares but did not say how many.

“The consumer protection agency granted Continental Grain approval to increase its position, a filing that signals the company will actively engage with Bunge management,” says the article.

Continental Grain has invested in agricultural businesses and has reportedly got a history of agitating for changes at some companies.

Bunge shares increased during yesterday’s trading and at the time of writing were US$77.01. FoodIngredientsFirst has also asked the company for comment.

In January, just days after Bunge was linked with the ADM takeover approach, the company bolstered its food and ingredients business in the US with the acquisition of Minsa Corporation, a wholly-owned US subsidiary of Grupo Minsa S.A.B. de C.V., valued at US$75 million.


And earlier this month, Bunge Limited completed its acquisition of a 70 percent ownership interest in IOI Loders Croklaan from IOI Corporation Berhad. The move establishes Bunge as a global leader in business-to-business oil solutions with expanded value-added capabilities, reach and scale across core geographies.