Acquisition of the largest, and highest valued at £249m, rural property portfolio in the UK
Client
Wellcome Trust
Value
£249m
Services provided
Wellcome has held agricultural investments in the UK since 1997 with Bidwells as their primary advisor. They wanted to grow their endowment but with no clear allocation to heighten their exposure to agriculture, Bidwells was ready to act when the Farmcare portfolio became available for acquisition.
Following a period of tracking the portfolio as a potential acquisition opportunity, and one which would fit Wellcome’s criteria, we carried out extensive research and meaningful analysis on the large, spread out and highly diverse portfolio, enabling the client to make an informed decision at an early stage.
We project managed the acquisition process and provided detailed commentary of what would be required in the management of the portfolio. The exclusivity clause we helped secure meant that Wellcome could carry out full and proper due diligence and spot opportunities to derive best value from the deal.
The portfolio had an ethical outlook in line with Wellcome’s investment principles, and the purchase was met with acquiescence in the press with natural synergies in terms of on-farm educational studies for school children and education on nutrition.