Agribusiness
Australian agribusiness is at the cutting edge of tremendous change
Agribusiness in Australia will change more in the next decade than ever before. As everyone strives to understand what the farm of the future looks like, we can expect every aspect of the sector to be disrupted and revolutionised, presenting challenges and opportunities – from the planting of the first seed on a farm, to the end product on a dinner plate.
Changes in the sector are being driven by climate change and ESG awareness, a continuous stream of foreign equity into Australian agriculture, consolidation and aggregation of agribusiness ownership, the emergence of technological solutions to manage agribusinesses, and the integration of agricultural supply chains. Successful agribusinesses will need to manage this volume of change while staying on top of an increasingly complex web of regulatory environments and social expectations.
Top issues for the industry
- building climate resilience
- 'internet of things' technology and connectivity
- credence and provenance claims
- supply chains of the future
- sustainability by design: farms as ecosystems
- corporate investment and corporate structure
- biosecurity and food security
How we can help
We work across the entire lifecycle of agribusiness, from acquisition to supply chain management, organisational structuring, production, export and divestment. We support our clients in all their endeavours, including transactional, finance, antitrust governance, foreign investment and regulatory needs.
We represent clients across all agribusiness product types, and advise on all types of agribusiness sector deals, as we assist in navigating the commercial, regulatory, and legal issues facing the sector.
Access to the right team with the right experience
Complex agribusiness problems require a commercial, solutions-driven approach, combined with technical expertise. We have the depth of experience, and breadth of specialised experience, to handle your largest and most complicated transactions. Our presence in Australia and internationally, combined with our Linklaters alliance, allows us to serve clients all over the world.
Setting the agenda for the future of the sector
We bring a forward-looking perspective to everything we do, regularly advising on both current regulatory matters and on best practices, to ensure your future farm is future-proofed. We lead the way in innovation and thought leadership, making sure we always bring the latest developments affecting the Australian agribusiness sector to you.
Experience
Strategic investment in Perfection Fresh
Advised an Equilibrium Capital led consortium on their investment in one of Australia's largest privately owned fresh produce businesses.
Rivalea sale
Advised Singapore Exchange-listed QAF Limited on the sale of its Australian primary production business to a wholly-owned subsidiary of JBS S.A. for an enterprise value of $175 million.
Proposed AU$1.1bn acquisition of Tassal
Advising the world's sixth largest salmon producer Cooke on its proposed acquisition of ASX-listed salmon producer Tassal Group.
Nutrien acquisition
Advised Nutrien on $470 million acquisition of AgriServices company RuralCo.
Nordzucker purchase
Advised Nordzucker, Germany's second largest sugar refiner, on its purchase of 70% of Australia's Mackay Sugar limited.
JBS Australia acquisition
Advised on the $1.45 billion acquisition of Primo, the largest ham, bacon and smallgoods producer in Australia and New Zealand.
AgriWebb capital raising
Advising on its capital raising and customer arrangements.
Great Southern collapse and class action
Advising Bendigo and Adelaide Bank on all aspects of its involvement in the $700 million Great Southern collapse and related class action proceedings.
Bega Cheese IPO and ASX listing
Advised the underwriters of Bega Cheese’s $250 million IPO and listing on the ASX.
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board acquisition
Advised on the proposed acquisition of a US$2.5 billion stake in Glencore’s agricultural business.
SproutX establishment of agtech accelerator program
Advising on the establishment of Australia’s first agtech accelerator program, including establishment of the investment fund, and legal partner of SproutX.
TPG acquisition of Inghams
Acting for the financiers on the financing of TPG’s $880 million acquisition of Inghams Enterprises, Australia’s largest poultry producer.