The Mosiac Co. (NYSE: MOS) Eyed As Takeover Target in Sought After Food Industry

Agribusiness leader Cargill Inc. on Tuesday announced it plans to spin off its $24.3 billion stake in fertilizer giant The Mosaic Co. (NYSE: MOS ), making Mosaic an attractive takeover target as rising global food prices push more companies toward the agricultural sector. Cargill, the largest privately held U.S. company, wants to distribute its 64% stake in Mosaic to diversify its family trust holdings and keep the business private. Cargill plans to distribute its 286 million Mosaic shares to Cargill shareholders and debtholders. The plan allows for the shares to be sold on the secondary market after a certain amount of time. Mosaic Chief Executive Officer Jim Prokopanko said his company is well positioned to take advantage of this deal.