OTTAWA — The federal government says it's launching a review of the proposed acquisition of Viterra Ltd. by Bunge Ltd.

Viterra is a grain-handling company owned by Swiss commodities giant Glencore, the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and B.C. Investment Management Corp.

Missouri-based Bunge is the world's largest oilseeds processing company, operating in more than 40 countries worldwide.

The US$8.2-billion deal was announced in June.

Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez says in a statement that both companies hold ownership interests in port terminals throughout Canada.

He says healthy competition is needed in the transportation sector to ensure fair pricing and access, especially for farmers.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 26, 2023.

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