The Decatur, Ill.-based agricultural conglomerate acquired all the outstanding capital stock from Alimenta Inc., an international trading company based in Geneva, Switzerland. Alimenta was ADM’s 50% partner in Golden Peanut Co. 

Golden Peanut, based in Alpharetta, Ga., is the largest U.S. handler, processor and exporter of peanuts, peanut oil and peanut-derived ingredients. It also is the leading peanut sheller and peanut oil refiner in the United States. 

Roman Blahoski, spokesman for ADM, declined to disclose the details of the acquisition deal. However, he did say no major changes are planned for staffing or sites for Golden Peanut, which has seven facilities in the United States and one facility in Argentina. 

Steve Mills, ADM senior executive vice president for performance and growth, says the company is excited about Golden Peanut’s strong and diverse customer base. 

“With well-positioned assets, strong customer relationships and an experienced management team, we believe Golden Peanut Co. will realize profitable growth in the future,” he says. “In addition to generating solid financial returns, this acquisition will also create synergies with current ADM operations.” 

Golden Peanut Co.’s shelling plants are located in Headland, Ala.; Ashburn and Dawson, Ga., Aulander, N.C.; Comyn and Seagraves, Texas; and Alejandro Roca, Argentina. Golden Peanut also has hull and fiber operations at its Headland, Ala. facility; peanut crushing and peanut oil refining operations at its Dawson, Ga. facility; and a facility in Blakely, Ga., that produces peanut flour, roasted oil and extract. 

For information, visit www.adm.com and www.goldenpeanut.com.

-C.L.