Food and agribusiness

We have one of the largest teams of food and agricultural lawyers in the country, with experts specialising in every legal element of the food supply chain.

illustration for Food and agribusiness

Businesses in the food and agri-sector have to contend with complex commercial imperatives and regulations. 

Some have to deal with subsidies, the environment and gang labour, while others are focused on food safety, food quality, labelling and marketing. Health and safety, employment, tenancies, leases, competition, joint ventures, insurance, partnerships, corporate mergers, acquisitions and disposals, banking and finance and commercial agreements....the list of potential issues is seemingly never-ending.

We understand the issues you face and can deal with the legal technicalities, helping you keep track of regulatory requirements and providing robust, practical advice to guide you when you need it.  

Our experience

  • Acted for Hugh Lowe Farms on their acquisition of premium salad grower LJ Betts.

  • Advised Richardson Malting (UK) (a subsidiary of Canadian Agribusiness Richardson International) on its acquisition of international malting company, Anglia Maltings. 

  • Advised Strutt & Parker (Farms) Limited on their sale to Robigus Limited.

  • Advised Refresco on their acquisition of a substantial bottling plant from Coca-Cola Enterprises and the sale of a factory.

  • Acted on the sale of Harry Ramsden's for the Boparan Restaurant Group to Deep Blue Restaurants.

  • Advised on the acquisition by Frontier Agriculture of the marketing and storage business of Fengrain Limited and Fengrain (Storage) Limited.

  • Acted for CPC Foods on the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of C & K Meats Limited and 75% purchase of Riverway Foods Holdings.

  • Acted for Coca Cola Amatil on the sale of SPC Ardmona to World Wise Foods.

  • Advised Puratos Group NV on their acquisition of the entire share capital of Fruitapeel Holdings.

  • Acting for Greene King on the sale of a portfolio of 16 pubs to Heineken UK's Star Pubs & Bars, Marstons and Hall & Woodhouse.

  • Advising Farmcare on all its agribusiness and property matters.

  • Working with Trinity College, Cambridge on the management of its agricultural portfolio, including tenancy restructuring, acquisitions and disposals.

  • Advising the Wellcome Trust on the £249 million acquisition for the farming business of the Co-operative Group.

Did you know?

Food & Agribusiness Law Blog

Our specialist blog keeps you updated on all new developments affecting the agribusiness and food sector.

Agriculture & Rural Affairs Chambers UK 2019

Ranked Band 1 for East Anglia: "If I want something done right, I will go to Mills & Reeve".

Product Liability Food Chambers UK 2019

Jessica Burt is ranked Band 1 for Product Liability Food, and called: "a go-to for compliance."

What our clients say about us?

 

“I have always found them to be highly professional, very competent and very effective at what they do. If I want something done right I will go to Mills & Reeve. ”

Client feedback

Chambers UK

“On Jessica Burt for Product Liability Food: "She's experienced, practical and easy to get along with".”

Client feedback

Chambers UK

“On Michael Aubrey for Agriculture and Rural Affairs: "He's very diligent, through, experienced and knowledgeable". ”

Client feedback

Chambers UK

Our clients

We have experience across the whole range of food and agribusinesses from 'farm to fork':

  • Large landowners and private farming families
  • International food growers and processors
  • Major food packagers and bottlers
  • International brewers and wine producers
  • Major restaurant chains such as McDonald's

Our lawyers

Our team is made up of lawyers with deep understanding of the concerns of the food and agribusiness sector, and experts who work exclusively for particular food and agri companies.

Get in touch

Our team of legal experts are here to support you.
Contact one of our lawyers today.

Follow our food and agribusiness blog

Our food and agribusiness blog covers all legal aspects of the food and agribusiness sector.

Webinar: Hot topics facing the food and agribusiness sector

We covered topics including the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) policy priorities, the CMA’s enforcement activities and more...

Your main contact