World’s Biggest Pork Producer Smithfield Files for US IPO

  • Owner WH Group values Farmer John maker at $5.38 billion-plus
  • Chinese owner acquired US-based meat products firm in 2013

The potential listing adds to expectations that the US IPO market’s volume could return to its pre-pandemic average. 

Photographer: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg
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Smithfield Foods Inc., the world’s largest pork producer, has filed for its initial public offering in the US, joining a growing number of firms pursuing market debuts this year.

The company and an indirectly-owned subsidiary of its owner, Hong Kong-listed WH Group Ltd., are both offering shares in the listing, according to a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday. WH Group will maintain control of the company after the listing.