When two worlds meet and trust is key

Right in the middle of rural Himmerland, among its fields and dairy cows, an organic dairy farm comprising about 240 hectares and a herd of dairy cows with a milk production corresponding to 150 cows producing milk all year round was sold to British investors focussed on Danish quality and sustainability.

From the point of view of the sellers, it wasn’t just another transaction: it was a life-changing decision. Handing over your life’s work to someone else requires both courage and trust. This is why we felt privileged to be chosen as legal advisers for the entire process.

Two worlds had to come together for it to happen: an international investment fund on the one hand, and a Danish farm with strong local roots on the other. With the help of goal-oriented legal advice, professional insight and mutual respect we succeeded in bringing about a deal that combined values with vision. And as one of the former owners, Laust Krejbjerg, put it:

“Selling the farm was a huge decision so I was looking for advisers with both experience and expertise. Already after the first conversation with HaugaardBraad's Anders and Bettina, I felt a lot calmer about the whole thing - I felt I was in good hands. It was a complex and extensive process, especially when they brought out the English-language contracts, but Anders, Bettina and Simon were on top of things the entire time. I never felt alone, and I truly appreciated the support and calm atmosphere they created throughout the process.”

The deal involved both Danish and British legal advisers, and both the Danish and English versions of the extensive contract of sale were reviewed in parallel. The parties and their legal advisers worked together in a highly professional manner, taking an approach similar to that used in major corporate transactions in order to accommodate the way the British traditionally handle such deals. All parties clearly demonstrated a spirit of collaboration and the will to succeed all along the way, creating the basis for a secure and well-executed transaction.

The deal was conducted as a property conveyance, and we were able to provide legal advice on all aspects in this connection.

We are really grateful to Laust Krejberg and Birgitte Uldal for the trust they showed us. We would also like to thank Gustav Winther of Nybolig Randers and Agillix’ Peter Møller for a productive and professional collaboration, as well as the purchasers and their advisers for a constructive process.

This project exemplifies our ability to handle complex agricultural transactions in which both personal and business aspects must be accounted for, and trust is of paramount importance. Being allowed to stand by farmers as they make some of the most important decisions of their lives is both a pleasure and an obligation that we appreciate.

Stand stronger with HaugaardBraad.