The US-based investment fund group NCH Capital, together with minority shareholders from Denmark, has entered into an agreement with the Latvian investment fund Merito Partners and its investors for the sale of shares in one of Latvia’s largest agricultural companies, SIA “Gaižēni”. Following the transaction, Merito Partners will become the majority shareholder, alongside the company’s founder and long-standing CEO, Alex Rasmussen.
This marks one of the largest transactions in the agricultural sector in recent years and stands among the most significant domestic buyouts in Latvia. The deal is subject to approval by the Latvian Competition Council.
Founded in 1997, the pig farming company based in Latvia, “Gaižēni”, currently operates four pig farms in the Vidzeme and Zemgale regions and manages a portfolio of 1,400 hectares of agricultural land.
The financing and long-term support provided by NCH Capital have enabled “Gaižēni” to develop into a leading livestock and agricultural enterprise in Latvia. In recent years, the company has also made substantial investments in sustainability and green energy by developing large-scale solar energy parks for on-site consumption. These initiatives have significantly reduced the company’s ecological footprint and solidified its position as a modern and responsible leader in the agricultural sector.
The COBALT’s M&A team has provided full legal support to NCH Capital in connection with the transaction, including the preparation of transaction documentation and legal assistance during negotiations, and continues to advise on matters relating to the closing process. The team is led by Partner Guntars Zīle and Specialist Counsel Elīna Ločmele and includes Associate Vadims Zvicevičs and Junior Associate Kārlis Ošs.
Oaklins Latvia acted as financial advisor to NCH Capital.
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