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National Beef Packing Agrees To Sell An Ownership Interest

published: December 6th 2011
source: National Beef Packing

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Dec. 5, 2011 -- /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Premium Beef, LLC (USPB) and National Beef Packing Company, LLC (National Beef) today announced that the owners of National Beef have entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement with Leucadia National Corporation (Leucadia) under which Leucadia will acquire approximately 79% of the outstanding ownership interests in National Beef. The operations and management structure of National Beef will remain unchanged.

"This transaction will enable us to address the liquidity desires of USPB's diverse producer ownership base while maintaining our highly successful cattle supply system and a sizable investment in beef processing," Steve Hunt, CEO of USPB, said in making the announcement. "Leucadia is a diversified holding company engaged in a variety of businesses; its broad and deep experience will enhance our partnership. Our goals for the future of National Beef are aligned and we look forward to a long and successful partnership."

Tim M. Klein, President and CEO of National Beef, will continue in that role upon completion of the transaction. "I look forward to Leucadia joining our ownership group and bringing its unique perspective to our industry. The addition of Leucadia will widen the scope of opportunities available to us and will further strengthen our ability to expand our business and solidify our position as the premier global beef processor."

The transaction is subject to certain conditions and will require customary regulatory approvals. It is expected to close by the end of calendar year 2011.

About U.S. Premium Beef

U.S. Premium Beef, LLC is a producer-owned beef company, formed in 1996 with the objective of aligning producers with consumers through processing. More than 2,000 producers from 35 states have marketed cattle through its unique integrated quality-based cattle supply system that serves as the foundation for National Beef's value-added product lines. More information about USPB is available at www.uspremiumbeef.com.

About National Beef

National Beef Packing Company, LLC, based in Kansas City, Missouri has operations in Liberal, Dodge City, and Kansas City, Kansas; Brawley, California; Hummels Wharf, Pennsylvania; Moultrie, Georgia; and St. Joseph, Missouri. National Beef, with approximately 9,100 employees, processes and markets fresh beef, case-ready beef, beef by-products and wet-blue leather for domestic and international markets. In fiscal year 2011, National Beef generated sales of $6.8 billion. More information about National Beef is available at www.nationalbeef.com.