Food and Agribusiness.

Our multi-disciplinary team works with a range of clients in the food and agribusiness sector, from farmers all the way through to listed and unlisted corporate agribusinesses, as well as manufacturers, processors and distributors of agricultural products and fast moving consumer goods (FMCG).

We understand the agricultural sector. Our expertise is borne out of working closely alongside our clients in these industries over many years, from flood to drought, from boom to bust and everything in between. We know our clients need trusted advisers in good times and bad, which is why we work alongside our clients to build a relationship as a trusted adviser.

We also work closely with peak industry associations in promoting the interests of regional Australia.

In the FMCG sector, we are able to combine our understanding of fundamental issues affecting supply chains with issues which affect the health and well-being of employees in the workplace.

Experience.

*Some of the above representations were undertaken while at previous firms

Mackay Sugar Limited

Advising Mackay Sugar Limited on the $120m recapitalisation by Nordzucker AG, Europe’s second largest sugar manufacturer and the $200m refinance lead by Rabobank.

New Zealand Super Fund

Advising New Zealand Super Fund in relation to their investment in Palgrove Pastoral Company.

Mort & Co Limited

Acting for Mort & Co Limited in respect of capital raising and a number of M&A transactions.

Louis Dreyfus Company

Acting for Louis Dreyfus Company in a recapitalisation and restructuring of Namoi Cotton.

Camperdown Dairy International

Acting for Camperdown Dairy International on the sale of its infant formula business to Bellamy’s Australia Limited.

Australian Sugar Milling Council

Assisted the Australian Sugar Milling Council on preparation of an Industry Scorecard and regulatory report.

Huon Aquaculture Group

Advising Huon Aquaculture Group on its A$133 million IPO.

Acting for the vendor on the sale of a stake of Coomboona Dairy to Harvey Norman.

Cubbie Station

Acted for successive owners of Cubbie Station, including negotiations with Australian and international investors.

Mackay Sugar Limited

Acting for Mackay Sugar Limited on its corporatization, $50m bond issue, unsecured notes issue and sale of the Mossman Mill.

Isa Sun

Acting for Isa Sun in relation to its financing and investment in Australian Dairy Nutritionals Group.

Quality Food Services Australia

Advising the shareholders of Quality Food Services Australia on the partial sale to Blue Sky Private Equity.

Bridgelane

Acting for Bridgelane in various local and international Agtech investments, including Sprout Stack and Agerris.

Consolidated Pastoral Company

Acting for Consolidated Pastoral Company on the sale of Carlton Hill Station in WA and purchase of Bunda Station in the NT.

Acting for the intellectual property owners of plant breeder rights in the structuring and management of their food products business.

Agribusiness

Our clients specialise in beef, cotton, sugar, dairy, pork, sheep, chicken, eggs, timber, horticulture, broadacre cropping, aquaculture and agtech.

In an age of ever-increasing regulation and community expectations, we recognise the opportunities and risks associated with owning and/or operating agricultural businesses. From access and tenure issues, though to vegetation management and supply issues, our experts are available to help plan for the future as well as provide critical advice in times of need.

We are also perfectly placed to assist clients to take advantage of opportunities like the transition towards renewables and new energy projects. Our projects team assists clients with all aspects of renewable energy projects including solar PV energy projects, wind energy projects, dispatchable energy storage, energy policy and regulation, power purchase and waste and biomass.

Food

We understand the agricultural supply chain extends well beyond the farm gate. Australia is continuing to develop its food processing and manufacturing industry (and associated supply chain), building on our existing competitive advantage in producing raw agricultural commodities.

Our clients specialise in all aspects of the supply chain, from processors, through to transport and logistics companies, and manufacturing and bottling facilities for FMCG.

We understand the manufacturing sector is at the forefront of the Australian government’s plans to stimulate the economy. Our team recognises the demands, time pressures and complexities our clients deal with on a daily basis and is well equipped to provide first class legal advice and solutions.