Archer Daniels Midland Co. has announced the expansion of its European oilseed processing capabilities with the acquisition of ViaChem Group’s oilseed processing assets in Olomouc, Czech Republic.

This facility, in the Eastern part of the Czech Republic, consists of an oilseed crushing, refining, and biodiesel plant that produces oil and meal for the food, feed, and energy markets.

“This acquisition will allow ADM to expand further its leadership position in agricultural processing in Europe and strengthen our soft seed processing activities in this region,” said Brent Fenton, managing director, ADM Europe. “This new site will support ADM’s expansion of its rapeseed and sun seed origination network in Central Europe. In line with ADM’s strategy to expand the size and global reach of our core model, this acquisition increases the company’s presence in the growing Eastern European market.”

At more than 230 processing plants, ADM converts corn, oilseeds, wheat, and cocoa into products for food, animal feed, chemical, and energy uses, connecting crops and markets in more than 60 countries. Its global headquarters is in Decatur, IL, and its net sales for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, were $69 billion. For more information, visit www.adm.com.