SAO PAULO, Feb 6 (Reuters) - Cargill has signed a

purchase and sale agreement for a 50% stake in SJC Bioenergia,

giving it full control of the Brazilian sugar and renewable

energy firm, according to a statement.

The U.S. grain trader declined to reveal the values involved

in the transaction.

Cargill said the move advances its strategy in the renewable

energy market.

The company, which arrived in Brazil 60 years ago, said it

has invested more than 6.8 billion reais ($1.17 billion) on its

local operations in recent years.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval.

SJC Bioenergia, which was founded in 2006 and has had

Cargill as a business partner since 2011, has 4,500 employees

and two plants in the center-western state of Goias, the

statement said.

Cargill said the company processes sugarcane and corn,

producing raw sugar, hydrated and anhydrous ethanol, corn oil

and distillers' dried grains (DDGs) with high protein content,

in addition to generating electricity.

($1 = 5.8025 reais)