Sale of producer and marketer of agricultural seed products

Pasture Genetics was established in 1997 by husband-and-wife team Rob and Ann Damin. The company has become a leading Australian producer and marketer of commercial agricultural seed products including clover, forage cereals, and lucerne. The company has grown to become a leader in the export of seeds to customers all over the world and has captured an estimated 20% of the Australian pasture seed market.

The acquisition was designed to broaden the Australian product portfolio and sales capabilities of California-based S&W Seed Co. S&W is a leading force internationally in agricultural breeding, production, and processing for the alfalfa, sunflower, and sorghum industries. The acquisition is expected to further enhance S&W’s existing assets and drive incremental value. The market reacted positively to the sale, with S&W’s share price jumping 30% on news of the acquisition and analyst consensus rating moving to a “buy”.

Piper Alderman was pleased to act as advisers to the owners on the sale to S&W. We worked closely with the owners and sell-side deal team on what is an important transaction in the Australian agribusiness sector. Our experience in commercial acquisitions and mergers enabled us to offer outstanding legal advice during the deal.

What our client said:

Rob Damin, General Manager

“Simon and his team did a sterling job for us on the S&W transaction. Simon’s agribusiness expertise and his ability to quickly understand our business made the sale and documentation process cost-effective and efficient. Simon and his team were diligent and professional in their approach, and I really felt like they were as invested as Ann and me in securing a great outcome for us. It was a pleasure working with Simon and his team and we would highly recommend them.”