Swiss commodities trader Glencore International has announced that it has received approval from the Canadian government for C$6.1bn ($6.01bn) acquisition of grain handler Viterra.
Glencore, which has been in discussion with the government, has made a commitment to increase Viterra's capital expenditures in Canada by more than C$100m ($98.51m) over the next five years.
The company will invest more than C$8m ($7.88m) above Viterra's projected expenditures in R&D; set up an institute for food security in the province of Saskatchewan; and contribute to grain industry projects in the province of Manitoba.
Glencore has also agreed to maintain the office in Regina, Saskatchewan, and make it the head office for its North American agricultural operations.
Glencore Agricultural Products director Chris Mahoney said the approval recognises the long term benefits for Canada and farmers resulting from the company's acquisition of Viterra.
"Glencore is committed to investing in Viterra's operations, its philanthropic initiatives and in playing a key part in ensuring the continued growth of western Canada's agricultural industry," Mahoney added.
The deal still needs to be cleared by China's Ministry of Commerce and Glencore noted that the approval is not expected before the end of July.
In March 2012, Glencore signed an agreement to acquire Canadian grain handler Viterra in an all-cash deal.
Gelncore had also agreed to sell certain Viterra's assets such as grain elevators and retail agri-products business to Agrium and Richardson International to allay concerns of the Ottawa regulatory body, which might block the deal on competition grounds.
The acquisition will enable Glencore to cement its position in grain markets as Viterra operates grain-marketing and distribution businesses across Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand and China.
