United Agri Products

United Agri Products (UAP), a leading UK distributor of crop production products and agronomy support services, generated a bumper deal harvest – a management buy-out and cross-border company acquisition.

UAP, which provides advice and crop protection products to UK farmers, had previously experienced some difficulties. But a change in approach, led by new managing director Stephen Derbyshire, stemmed losses and helped the company to flourish in an extremely competitive market.

Clearwater advised UAP on the buy-out from US-based ConAgra Foods, as well as handling a simultaneous acquisition of French company Phyto Service.

Derbyshire, impressed with Clearwater’s advice commented:

“They managed the dialogue with the Americans very well, and did strike up exactly the appropriate relationship – which was very important to the deal. In addition, they were supportive and patient during some periods when the discussion dragged.”

The transaction, backed by Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance, involved complex cross-border legal liaison. Funding was secured on the back of the UK-based business.

Since the deal was cultivated in April 2005, UAP has improved the business still further and maintained its position as one of the leaders in the market.