Continental Grain

Cargill Inc. and the newly formed Wayne-Sanderson Farms have agreed to pay $85 million to settle claims they violated antitrust laws by sharing information about poultry workers’ wages.The civil settlement between the companies and the government follows a lengthy review of the $4.5 billion sale of Sanderson Farms Inc.—the third-largest U.S. poultry company—to Cargill and agriculture investment firm Continental Grain Co. The settlement, which also addresses how chicken farmers are paid, came three days after the deal…

The Justice Department is discussing with Cargill Inc. and Continental Grain Co. potential concessions that could clear the way for the companies to acquire poultry processor Sanderson Farms Inc., SAFM -1.44% according to people familiar with the matter.The discussions with the government involve how farmers and plant workers are paid, the people said. Cargill, an agribusiness giant with meat, grain and food ingredients businesses, and…

The deal takes place as chicken prices have surged, driven by strong consumer demand and rising grain prices. Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images…