JBS returned to the acquisition trail with its second Australian deal in two months, buying Rockdale Beef from its Japanese owners.

The Brazilian group said the deal, at an undisclosed price, would give it a enterprise with capacity for processing 200,000 cattle a year, and including a 50,000-head feedlot.

It will also increase JBS's access to Asia, which accounts for eight of the company's 12 export markets.

Rockdale, which is based in New South Wales, is being purchased from Japan's Itoham Foods, the country's second largest meat processor, and Mitsubishi Corp, the trading giant.

Lamb facility 

The deal follows JBS's announcement last month that it had received regulatory clearance for the takeover of Tatiara Meat, the South Australian lamb enterprise.

The deal made JBS the largest lamb processor in Australia, with a slaughtering capacity of 24,500 heads per day.

The group also acquired US poultry giant Pilgrim's Pride and Brazilian beef business Bertin last year.

JBS shares closed 5.2% higher at R$7.80 in Sao Paolo.