Top firms score as private equity gobbles Australia’s largest honey producer

The company’s board has endorsed the $190m takeover bid

Top firms score as private equity gobbles Australia’s largest honey producer

Two top firms are acting in the takeover bid for Australia’s largest honey producer.

King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) is advising Roc Partners and Wattle Hill in their $190m takeover offer for Capilano Honey, which is being advised by Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF).

The Capilano board has recommended the offer.

Partner Rebecca Maslen-Stannage is leading the HSF team, with support from partner Malika Chandrasegaran and solicitor Alice Li.

“Through the Capilano team’s hard work they have secured this significant opportunity for their shareholders,” Maslen-Stannage said.

Ben McKee, Capilano managing director, said that Wattle Hill’s strong relationships in Asian markets could unlock the potential of the group’s premium and therapeutic brands.

“Rebecca and the team at Herbert Smith Freehills have been a wonderful support and very professional partner in making this transaction possible for Capilano and its shareholders.  I would have no hesitation in recommending their services to other businesses who find themselves the subject of merger and acquisition negotiations,” McKee said.

Capilano’s financial adviser is KPMG. The consortium’s financial adviser is Macquarie.