Swiss commodities trader Glencore International has completed the acquisition of Canadian grain handler Viterra for C$6.1bn ($6.18bn).
Glencore noted that the acquisition gives the company a significant presence in the key grain markets of North America, while materially expanding Glencore's existing operations in Australia.
Fran Malecha, formerly chief operating officer of Viterra, has been appointed as the director, agricultural products, North America, with responsibility for all North American operations.
David Mattiske has been appointed as the country manager, Agricultural Products, Australia and New Zealand, with responsibility for all agricultural operations in Australia and New Zealand.
Regina, Saskatchewan is the headquarters for Glencore's North American Agricultural Products business.
Glencore Agricultural products director Chris Mahoney said that by integrating Viterra's assets, grain logistics and processing insight with the company's global marketing capability, Glencore has the opportunity to become a true leader across the sector with even greater means to meet the needs of farmers and customers globally.
Glencore expects all integration projects to be completed by the end of 2013.
