SHANGHAI/BEIJING June 6 - Cargill is in talks to transfer ownership of its metals division to Macquarie Group, according to five individuals briefed on the matter. The people said the discussions are ongoing and declined to provide additional detail.
The sources emphasized two constraints: the discussions have not been publicly announced, and they were not authorized to speak with the media. They provided no further specifics about the structure, timing or valuation of any potential transaction. They also noted that the discussions are not guaranteed to result in a completed sale.
Cargill did not reply to requests for comment sent by email and phone. Macquarie also declined to comment when contacted. Beyond those responses, no additional statements or confirmations were offered by either company.
According to the individuals who spoke about the talks, the motive for the contemplated sale is tied to Cargills broader strategic focus. They said the trading house is aiming to concentrate more narrowly on its core businesses in food and agriculture. The sources did not provide further information on how the metals unit fits into that strategy or what role Macquarie would play post-transaction.
The limited disclosure from the parties and the anonymity of the sources leave key questions unanswered. There is no public information in these reports about any agreed timelines, the scope of assets under discussion, or the next steps for either company. As described by the sources, the process remains a set of talks rather than a confirmed agreement.
Key context provided by the sources:
- Five sources with knowledge of the talks reported that Cargill is in discussions to sell its metals unit to Macquarie Group.
- The individuals spoke on condition of anonymity because the potential sale has not been announced and they were not authorized to speak to media.
- Neither Cargill nor Macquarie provided comments; the sources noted talks may not culminate in a deal.
This account is limited to the information supplied by the five anonymous sources and the companies' non-comments. The situation remains fluid and subject to change based on future disclosures or confirmations from the parties involved.