Clifford Chance and Linklaters have the lead roles on Chinese state-owned food giant COFCO Corp.’s $1.5 billion acquisition of a controlling stake in the agricultural unit of Hong Kong–based supply chain company Noble Group Ltd.
Under the agreement, the two companies will form a joint venture in which COFCO will hold 51 percent of Noble Agri Ltd., with Noble holding the remainder. COFCO is looking to bolster its grain processing and distribution capabilities in China by adding Noble’s sourcing and trading operations in South America, Europe and the Middle East.
