The merger with Brazilian beef company Bertin and the acquisition of U.S. chicken processor Pilgrim's Pride Corp. (PGPDQ) will make local meatpacker JBS SA (JBSS3.BR) the world's biggest producer of animal protein, surpassing Tyson Foods Inc (TSN), the company claimed Wednesday.

The company has projected combined revenues of $28.7 billion, beating Tyson's $28.1 billion registered in 2008, JBS Chief Executive Joesley Mendonca Batista said during a conference call.

Earlier Wednesday, JBS announced a merger with its local rival Bertin, creating the world's largest beef producer. The all-stock transaction will leave JBS with a 60% stake and Bertin with a 40% stake.

Meanwhile, it also announced that U.S. chicken processor Pilgrim's Pride Corp. had accepted its bid for control of the company. The deal will involve $800 million cash payments and total $2.8 billion, once the debts of the bankrupt company are included.

The Pilgrim's Pride deal is the company's first major experience with poultry, but the deal makes it the world's No. 2 in the sector.

-By Alastair Stewart, Dow Jones Newswires; 5511 2847-4520; alastair.stewart@dowjones.com