According to PwC partner Regan Hoult, private equity firms have a growing backlog of portfolio companies, creating pressure to return capital to investors. This has resulted in a more active behind-the-scenes deal environment, with several PE-backed transactions poised to come to market in the second half of the year. This shift signals a strategic move by investors to capitalize on new opportunities and could be a key driver for activity in the agribusiness sector and beyond.

For the international dairy community, the report offers critical insights into the future moves of key players. It confirms that the process for Fonterra to spin off its consumer business is ongoing. Additionally, it states that a2 Milk’s highly anticipated acquisition of manufacturing capacity is still expected to move forward. These potential deals are being closely watched by analysts, as they have the potential to reshape the market landscape and influence dairy economics in the region.

The New Zealand market continues to attract strong international interest, with overseas buyers accounting for 49% of deals in the quarter. However, the majority of transactions were executed by New Zealand buyers, followed by Australia and the United States, highlighting the blend of domestic and foreign investment. The report also notes the strength of the nation’s intellectual property and innovative consumer products, which continue to be recognized and valued globally, providing a strong foundation for future transactions.