The lead partner says purchase is one of the most significant of an Australian listed company in 2019
Hogan Lovells has confirmed its role in the acquisition of Bellamy’s Organic in 2019.
The global law firm advised an international syndicate of banks on the US$1bn debt financing for the acquisition of the organic-dairy giant.
Bellamy’s was acquired by China Mengniu Dairy last year for $1.5bn in a deal that Norton Rose Fulbright and Allens advised on.
Bellamy’s is Australia’s larger producers of infant milk formula. Hogan Lovells said that the company, which has more than 30 products produced in Australia and certified organic, is one of the biggest infant nutrition brands not only in the Australian market but also in the Chinese market.
The Hogan Lovells team was headed by partner Richard Hayes, who leads the banking practice of the international firm in Australia. He said that the acquisition of Bellamy’s, which was founded in 2004 and is the first company to offer an organic infant milk formula range, was one of the largest and most significant acquisitions of an Australian listed company in 2019.
China Mengniu has been active in the Australian market as of late. After it announced its acquisition of Bellamy’s, it also announced that it was buying Lion Dairy and Drinks for $600m. The Chinese-listed company was advised by MinterEllison in that deal.
