M&A

Merricks Capital, which manages the A$470m Agriculture Credit Fund, will become part of ASX-listed Regal Partners in July 2024.

The salsa and tortilla chip business becomes the firm’s second acquisition since it closed its $425m debut fund.

The separation is being facilitated by way of separate debt recapitalizations of each business.

Managing partner Matt Leeds says he has ‘dreamt for years that Firehook would be Forward’s first investment’ as the firm begins deploying its $425m vehicle.

Louis Dreyfus Company’s acquisition of Australian firm Namoi Cotton comes as the industry seeks innovation in the face of climate concerns.

Blue Road Capital, Brynwood Partners and Union Capital are selling – or about to sell – makers of snacks and/or sweets.

Louis Dreyfus Company will use economies of scale to bolster the Namoi Cotton business while pursuing opportunities in northern Australian cotton.

With a string of big deals in Australia and elsewhere, Canadian investors continued to flex their muscles and demonstrate their commitment to the asset class in 2023.

The firm has been in conversations with certain LPs about bringing Fund VI to market, likely next year, sources said.

Ronin formed Lotus Beverage Alliance in April when the PE firm merged six craft beverage equipment providers.