The two companies’ officials, contacted by ZF, chose not to disclose any details, but did not deny the information.
This is not the first time the two companies discussed a tie-up. Talks were held more than 10 years ago on a possible partnership or even Cris-Tim’s takeover by Smithfield, but they had no outcome.
At present, ZF sources say several scenarios were mulled during talks, including the sale of a stake in the company or even the sale of the plant.
(English version by Catalina Apostoiu)