Rockbridge Legal advises the minority shareholder and management of the agricultural company SIA “Gaižēni” in a transaction with “Merito Partners”

Rockbridge Legal provided legal support to SIA “Ezersēta” and Alex Rasmussen, the long-standing manager of SIA “Gaižēni”, in a transaction resulting in the Latvian investment company “Merito Partners”, together with investors, acquiring a majority stake in one of Latvia’s leading livestock and agricultural companies – SIA “Gaižēni”.

As a result of the transaction, “Merito Partners”, together with investors, will acquire a majority stake in one of Latvia’s leading livestock and agricultural companies – SIA “Gaižēni”. At the same time, the structure of the deal provides that both Alex Rasmussen and his company SIA “Ezersēta” will continue their involvement in the capital, management, and development structure of SIA “Gaižēni” even after the entry of the majority investor. This structure ensures management continuity, preservation of accumulated industry expertise, and a stable foundation for the company’s future development following the investor’s entry into the capital structure.

The transaction is one of the most significant deals in the Latvian agricultural sector in recent years and a key example of the growing role of local capital in strategically important sectors of the economy.

Rockbridge Legal’s legal support in the transaction

Rockbridge Legal advised SIA “Ezersēta” and Alex Rasmussen on matters related to the involvement of both the minority shareholder and the management representative in the transaction, as well as their future roles in SIA “Gaižēni” after the entry of the majority investor.

Rockbridge Legal’s support included the review and commenting on transaction documentation, advising on the protection of minority shareholder rights, corporate governance issues, shareholder relations, and the future role of the management team in the company. Led by partner Viktorija Cherkas, the Rockbridge Legal team also provided legal support on matters related to the transaction structure, preparation of documents, the negotiation process, and the implementation of the deal, which were essential for protecting the interests of SIA “Ezersēta” as the seller of shares, as well as for legally establishing its and Alex Rasmussen’s future involvement in the company’s management and operational model.

In such transactions, a balanced approach between the investor’s control rights, the protection of existing shareholders’ interests, and ensuring the company’s operational continuity is particularly vital. Rockbridge Legal’s work focused on ensuring that the client’s position was clearly and legally accurately reflected in the transaction documentation and the future corporate governance model.

About SIA “Gaižēni”

SIA “Gaižēni” is one of Latvia’s leading livestock and agricultural companies with long-standing experience in the industry. Founded in 1997, the company operates in pig farming, crop production, and energy generation, creating an integrated and sustainable business model.

The company’s operations include several pig farms in Vidzeme and Zemgale, as well as an extensive portfolio of agricultural land. In recent years, SIA “Gaižēni” has continued to develop a modern, efficient, and responsible agricultural business, including investments in sustainability and energy efficiency solutions.