Sale of agricultural businesses
The agricultural sector is undergoing fundamental change. Digitalisation, automation and sustainable production methods are shaping modern farms and opening up new business opportunities. intelligentis supports agricultural entrepreneurs in strategically assessing these developments and in implementing the sale or succession of their business in a structured and discreet manner .
Industry experience spanning agriculture and entrepreneurship
Matthias Ehnert · Managing Director of intelligentis
Matthias Ehnert is a managing partner at intelligentis and a recognised expert in business sales within the agricultural and food sectors. He has been advising on transactions in the SME sector for many years.
His understanding of agricultural business models, combined with a national and international network of investors and strategic buyers, forms the basis for viable succession and sale solutions. Business owners benefit from clear process management, a high degree of discretion and personalised support throughout all stages of the sale, complemented by a realistic market assessment and direct access to suitable buyers and investors.
- Market situation
- Services
- Achievements
Current market situation and specific features of the agricultural sector
The agricultural sector in Germany and internationally is experiencing increasing M&A activity. Driven by sustainability, digitalisation and the desire to scale up regionally, farms and food companies are increasingly turning to strategic acquisitions. The current market situation is characterised by volatile producer prices, rising costs for energy, inputs and labour, as well as significant pressure to adapt to regulatory requirements.
Private equity investors and buyers are focusing on resilient business models, for example in fruit and vegetable production, agricultural trade or specialised service providers. Clearly positioned farms offering regional produce, organic production, efficient logistics and growth potential are particularly in demand.
Services relating to the sale of agricultural businesses
intelligentis provides comprehensive, structured and discreet support to agricultural entrepreneurs throughout the process of selling their businesses. Our services range from structured preparation and market-oriented positioning through to the targeted approach of strategic buyers and investors. The focus is on a clearly managed, transparent process that provides certainty and consistently takes business objectives into account.
The focus is on analysing the farm’s structure, land, depth of value creation and long-term viability, as well as the professional preparation of all sales documentation . Remuneration is entirely performance-based.
Successful business sales in the agricultural sector
intelligentis has many years of in-depth experience in the agricultural sector and provides professional support to agricultural entrepreneurs in finding succession and sale solutions, with a clear focus on structure and value creation. The focus is on securing the legacy of a lifetime’s work in a sustainable manner, taking business objectives into account and developing viable succession models. Industry knowledge, market insight and a structured transaction process form the basis for tailor-made and value-preserving solutions.
In the Mulde project, intelligentis supported the successful handover of an integrated agricultural business, comprising speciality crops and arable farming, to a strategic investor. The transaction encompassed several operational units, trademark rights and infrastructure, and serves as a prime example of intelligentis’ M&A expertise in the agricultural sector.
Frequently asked questions about selling a business in the agricultural sector
The sale of a farm often raises questions regarding preparation, the process and valuation. During a face-to-face consultation, we will address these issues on a case-by-case basis and outline suitable options for you.
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions based on real-world experience.
Preparations for the sale include an analysis of the company’s profitability, operational structure, land and production conditions, and long-term development prospects. intelligentis also reviews the organisation, investments and market positioning.
intelligentis draws up an action plan that creates transparency, highlights potential value and prepares the company for negotiations.
intelligentis advises you on the strategic direction of the sale, prepares sales documentation and identifies suitable investors and strategic buyers. The entire process is managed discreetly, without disrupting day-to-day operations.
Negotiations, due diligence and consultations are centrally coordinated and actively supported right through to successful completion.
Following completion of the sale, intelligentis oversees the handover phase and assists with the smooth withdrawal of the previous owner from day-to-day operations. The focus is on ensuring business continuity, clear lines of responsibility and a smooth handover to the buyer.
The aim is to ensure the stable continuation of the agricultural business and to safeguard all agreed arrangements, even beyond the date of sale.
Business valuation in the agricultural sector is based on sustainable profitability, the structure of the business, the depth of value creation and the future viability of the business model. Factors such as land area, production sectors, the level of investment and market position are taken into account.
intelligentis determines a realistic and marketable enterprise value, taking into account current buyer expectations and comparable industry transactions.
Interested buyers include, above all, strategic investors from the agri-food sector, as well as larger businesses with expansion or scaling objectives. Private equity investors are also currently actively seeking resilient, clearly positioned companies with a regional focus, organic production or clear growth potential.
