Chinese-owned pork producer Smithfield prepares for US listing

Smithfield Foods' Chinese owner WH Group is working with banks to take the US-based pork producer public again in the United States, Reuters reported, citing a Wall Street Journal article.

Smithfield could list its shares as early as next year, the WSJ reported, adding that the deliberations are ongoing and the timing could change.

"The company regularly evaluates relisting Smithfield's stock in the US, but there is no time-table for it," WH Group said in an emailed statement to Reuters.

Smithfield did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

WH Group acquired Smithfield in 2013 in a $4.7-billion deal, aimed at tapping the massive supplies of US meat for export to China.