BRF - Brasil Foods S.A.: Announcement to the Market

SAO PAULO, Feb. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In accordance with the terms of CVM Instruction 358, of January 03, 2002 and section 4, article 157 of Law 6,404/76, and in line with the announcement to the market made on May 31, 2011, Brasil Foods S.A. (BRF) announces that it has established a joint venture with Dah Chong Hong Limited, aimed at gaining access to the Chinese distribution market, engaging in local processing, developing the Sadia brand in China, and reaching retail and food service channels in continental China, Hong Kong and Macau.

Dah Chong Hong, Limited (DCH), incorporated in 1949, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dah Chong Hong Holdings Limited (DCHH), which is a business conglomerate whose shares are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 2007 (01828.HK). DCH is one of the largest distributors of automobiles, food and consumer products in China and Hong Kong, with infrastructure for distributing chilled and frozen food. Its operations span the markets of Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, and the company pursues excellence in its products and service provision. DCHH is currently owned as to approximately 55.9% by CITIC Pacific Limited (a public company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and ultimately owned as to approximately 56.7% by CITIC Group Corporation, a state-owned company incorporated in the People's Republic of China).

The 50:50 joint venture between BRF and DCH covers both in natura and processed products, and the joint venture will focus on overall capability building and the relevant business operation in local market, including sales, importation, procurement of products, customer clearance and trade marketing. The joint venture's leadership will be shared, with the same number of representatives from both companies on its Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

BRF will focus on production, technical support and marketing for the products to be sold by the joint venture. Meanwhile, DCH will concentrate on supply chain and distribution operations, processing and packaging services, and various kinds of operation support during the initial transitional phase.

It is estimated that the joint venture will sell volumes of more than 140,000 metric tons and have revenues of approximately US$450 million in the first year, and investment will be made in its working capital.

BRF - Brasil Foods S.A.
CNPJ-MF 01.838.723/0001-27
Public Company

Leopoldo Viriato Saboya
Chief Financial Officer and Investor Relations Director

SOURCE BRF - Brasil Foods S.A.