Smithfield could list its shares as early as next year, the WSJ reported, adding the deliberations are ongoing and the timing could change. Smithfield and WH Group did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. WH Group bought Smithfield in 2013 in a $4.7-billion deal aimed at tapping the massive supplies of U.S. meat for export to China. The U.S. meat industry has struggled with declining profits and reduced demand from consumers squeezed by inflation and higher interest rates. (Reporting by Rishabh Jaiswal in Bengaluru; Editing by Savio D'Souza)((rishabh.jaiswal@thomsonreuters.com;))The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Source: Wall Street Journal October 19, 2023 16:22 UTC