State, Foster make third offer to Pilgrim's Pride

The state of Louisiana and Foster Farms have made a third offer to buy Pilgrim's Pride's Farmerville plant.
Pilgrim's Pride spokesperson Ray Atkinson confirmed the offer March 18 and said the company is considering whether to accept.
The state and Foster Farms have previously offered $40 million and $60 million to purchase the plant, which Pilgrim's Pride announced on Feb. 27 it, was idling within 60 to 75 days.
Although Atkinson would not confirm the amount of the latest offer, several media outlets have speculated it’s an $80 million deal with the state putting up $50 million and Foster Farms $30 million.
The closure of Pilgrim's Pride in Farmerville, La., would eliminate 1,300 jobs at the plant and would put 300 area chicken growers out of business.