Monsanto in Talks for BASF Ag Unit, Bayer Raises Bid for Monsanto
Consolidation efforts continue apace as the largest global players in the biotech space vie for market share and growth opportunities within the $100 billion global agriculture seed and chemical market in the face of a sustained decline in commodity prices. Monsanto is still considered the top play and the past four days have brought news that
Read moreBlue Road Capital Closes Ag Fund at $433M
The largest first-time agriculture fund with an exclusive focus on production and supply chain in the Americas has held its final close at $433 million. Blue Road Capital’s Blue Road Capital L.P. was able to secure not only capital for this fund but commitments for future co-investments in platform companies from a diverse group of Limited P
Read moreAksun to Build Turkey’s Largest Fruit and Vegetable Packhouse
Aksun, a major Turkish produce company, has plans to open the country’s largest fruit and vegetable packhouse in the fall, supporting the country’s continued growth in recent years. This investment is the largest in more than 30 years for the company that produces 47 different produce items, including melons, nectarines, figs and stonefru
Read moreHortau Expanding Services; Targeting Global Expansion
After announcing the successful raise of $10 million through a round of financing led by Advantage Capital Agribusiness Partners (ACAP) and including BDC Capital Inc., Avrio Ventures LP II, and Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins earlier this year, precision irrigation management systems company, Hortau is building out its team to su
Read moreLimoneira Expands with New Launch in South African Market
California-based fruit, land, and crops company, Limoneira has expanded into South Africa with the launch of Limoneira South Africa through a partnership called Real Citrus with Re:inc that was launched to oversee packing and sales on the African continent. The South African company will be based in Paarl, South Africa and will fall under L
Read moreFrom the Field…with Chris Soules
Before he was a reality tv star, before he was The Bachelor – star of the ABC hit tv show, Chris Soules was an Iowa farmer and land investment consultant. Despite his newfound stardom, the third-generation corn and soybean farmer still co-owns and operates 5,500 acres of land with his parents. The family also operates a wean-to-finish ho
Read moreFyffes Acquires Mushroom Producer, Highline Produce
Irish banana and produce company, Fyffes, has acquired Canada’s largest mushroom producer, Highline Produce Ltd., for C$145 million (US$165 million). “This transaction fits perfectly with Fyffes strategic objective of adding an additional product to its existing three through the acquisition of an established, successful, integrated ope
Read moreKKR, Hopu, Baring Among Firms in Talks to Acquire YUM China Division
The Wall Street Journal reports that KKR & Co., Hopu Investments, Hony Capital, and Baring Private Equity Asia are among a field of investors in talks with Yum Brands regarding the acquisition of a stake in its China business, according to unnamed sources. Yum, which owns Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut, and has a market value of $32 bill
Read moreBrief: ITC Acquires India Unit of Agri-Biotech Firm Technico
ITC Ltd. has acquired full ownership of seed potato producer, Technico Agri Sciences Ltd India – a wholly owned subsidiary of its Australia-based parent company, Technico Pty Ltd., for US$18.1 million reports Reuters. The acquisition, which was announced through a stock exchange filing, and which closed on March 22, was pursued by ITC as
Read moreArla, Dairy Farmers of America Target Top 10 Ranking with New Cheese JV
Denmark-based dairy cooperative, Arla, and Missouri-based Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) have entered into a joint venture agreement for the production of high quality cheddar cheese and the construction of a dairy plant in New York State. The $58 million venture will be 70% owned by DFA, which will also manage operations, and 20% owned by Ar
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