United States-Foster Farms.

UNITED STATES-FOSTER FARMS.

Livingston, Calif.-based poultry processor Foster Farms on Monday announced that its negotiations to acquire Pilgrim’s Pride’s Farmerville, La., chicken complex are ongoing and provided some details about its transition plans for the facility.

Pilgrim’s Pride will idle the Farmerville complex and transfer its operations to other Pilgrim’s Pride facilities as of May 8, Foster Farms CEO Ron Foster said in a news release.

According to Foster, Pilgrim’s Pride has committed to placing eggs in the Farmerville hatchery as soon as the asset purchase agreement is signed. When hatched, these chicks will be placed in local farms owned by independent growers. Foster Farms’ operation will continue to use the established network of local growers both to grow chicks as well as the pullets and breeders necessary for an ongoing supply of hatching eggs.

Pittsburg, Texas-based Pilgrim’s Pride approved the sale of the Farmerville complex, which the state of Louisiana helped facilitate, last month. The sale will be subject to customary closing conditions, including government approval and bankruptcy court approval, and is anticipated to close within 30 days after signing.