Brockton deal highlights Shropshire’s farming pedigree
The Telford lawyer behind the £5m sale of county farming business Havenhills and Brockton Farms has said the deal ‘magnifies’ Shropshire’s farming credentials.
Rural affairs specialist Sarah Baugh, the central legal figure behind one of the county’s largest commercial land sales, believes the deal on the 613-acre farm will put Shropshire’s widely-admired agricultural pedigree firmly in the spotlight.
Ms Baugh, partner and head of the agriculture and rural affairs division at Telford-based MFG Solicitors said: “The deal to complete the sale of Havenhills and Brockton Farms was extremely complex but we are delighted it has been successfully concluded.
“There was wide interest in the sale due to the sheer scale of the land involved. It’s clear that local and national focus has played its part in magnifying awareness into the quality of Shropshire’s farmland, its infrastructure and vitally, its produce. It’s a spotlight I think all county landowners will welcome.”
Commenting on the detailed sale Ms Baugh continued: “I think many people will admit they were sceptical of a sale being made within a corporate structure as opposed to a standard land deal. There’s no doubt it was an intricate deal but both the seller and the new owner are delighted the obstacles have been overcome and the deal is finalised.
“Hundreds of farming enterprises across the UK are now trading within the lesser-known corporate business model as opposed to the traditional partnership approach. It’s clear many will now recognise this deal points towards a style of sale the farming sector must embrace further whilst being mindful to take specialist, professional advice.”
Respecting the details of the sale, Ms Baugh did not reveal the identity of the new owner or the exact sale value, but added: “The £5m guide price on the business was surpassed quite significantly.”
