JBS Creates Global Leather Powerhouse With New JBS Viva Venture

Joint company combines assets from JBS and Viva, forming a 31-plant platform across six countries with capacity for more than 20 million hides a year.

Nov 25, 2025 7:57 PM

By Brazil Stock Guide – JBS N.V. (NYSE: JBS; B3: JBSS32) has taken one of its boldest steps in the global leather market with the creation of JBS Viva, a new company that merges the tanning and leather-processing assets of JBS and Viva S.A., controlled by Vanz Holding and Viposa. The venture launches with industrial scale surpassing 20 million hides per year, 31 plants and more than 11,000 employees in six countries, positioning it among the largest leather suppliers for premium global markets.

The structure is designed as a 50/50 joint venture. According to the binding memorandum approved by the board, JBS S.A. – a wholly owned subsidiary of JBS N.V. – will own half of the new company, while current Viva shareholders will hold the remaining 50%. Governance reflects that balance: JBS will appoint the chair of the board and the CFO, while the CEO and COO will be nominated by Viva’s shareholders. The model aims to preserve operational expertise from both sides while aligning incentives and strategic oversight.

With operations spanning Brazil, Italy, Uruguay, Argentina, Mexico and Vietnam, JBS Viva begins as a fully integrated global platform serving automotive, furniture and fashion brands that now demand rigorous traceability, environmental compliance and consistent quality. The merged footprint strengthens commercial reach and increases competitiveness at a time when top global manufacturers are tightening supplier standards and seeking partners capable of uniform large-scale delivery.

Execution still hinges on final documentation and customary closing conditions, including corporate approvals and applicable regulatory sign-offs. Until completion, both companies remain independent while they finalize integration planning. For JBS N.V., newly listed on the NYSE, the move reinforces its narrative of scaling higher-value global businesses and building a dedicated leather platform with its own governance, international scope and industrial scale already in place.