Mantiqueira USA’s acquisition of Buckeye-based Hickman Egg Ranch is a positive move for the farm that lost nearly all of its 6 million chickens to avian flu, according to president and CEO Glenn Hickman.

“It’s more than our family wants to happen again,” Hickman said on KTAR on Nov. 17.

LOCAL NEWS: Phoenix housing market outpaces national trends again in 2025

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS: Want more news like this? Get our free newsletter here

“I think the last few years in the egg business has been pretty tough. We’ve had the advent of the avian flu” and it continues with no sign of abatement. The federal government declined to get involved to figure out a solution, he added.

The Buckeye-based, 80-year-old company’s acquisition is said to be finalized by the end of the year, pending customary closing conditions.

Colorado-based MTQ USA is a newly formed egg production and distribution company created through a joint venture between the Pinto Family — founders of South America’s largest egg producer and No. 10 egg company in the world, Mantiqueira — and JBS N.V. food companies. This is Mantiqueira’s entry into the U.S. market.

“Expanding into the United States has long been a vision for our family, and taking this step through the acquisition of Hickman’s makes this moment especially meaningful,” said Leandro Pinto of Mantiqueria in South America, according to a statement.

“Hickman’s is a respected leader with a legacy of quality and service. Combining their deep industry expertise with our global experience positions MTQ USA for long-term success.”

In a statement, MTQ USA president Murilo Scarpa Pinto said this move “creates a strong foundation built on complementary strengths.

“Hickman’s heritage, quality, and customer relationships — paired with global experience, resources and scale — gives us the ability to provide exceptional service and grow with purpose. We are committed to honoring Hickman’s legacy while driving new opportunities for our customers and team members.”

Wesley Batista Filho, JBS USA CEO, emphasized the strategic importance of this move in the U.S. protein landscape.

“This acquisition is an important milestone for JBS in the United States, expanding our presence into a new and complementary protein category,” Filho said.

“By partnering with the Pinto Family through MTQ USA, we are creating strong synergies that will enhance collaboration, improve efficiency, and accelerate innovation. Hickman’s brings decades of experience and credibility in the American egg industry, and together we see significant opportunity to deliver more value to customers across the country.”

Hickman said the acquisition also reinforces the company’s commitment to collaboration, diversification, and meeting evolving customer needs.

“Our family has spent generations building a company rooted in excellence and integrity,” he said.

“We are confident that this transition will bring even greater opportunities to our customers, employees and partners.”

As for the family, Hickman said, the egg business has become overwhelming.

“The generation that I represent — we’re all in our 60s — I’m not sure we want to continue to evolve … and put 100% of our family’s capital at risk trying to chase the ‘next big thing.’”

Hickman was quick to add that this is not an asset sale. Customers can still enjoy high-quality, fresh eggs. The Hickmans will serve as transition agents. Hickman said some may have a leadership position, but that has yet to be determined.  

“We will continue to be involved in our communities, and work to keep Arizona a “great place to live.”

The local office will soon serve as the national headquarters.

“They’re going to expand and do great things,” Hickman said.