Fyffes acquires Canada’s largest mushroom business for $145M

On March 31, 2016, Fyffes plc completed the $145 million purchase of Canadian mushroom producer and distributor Highline Produce Limited. 

Fyffes plc is a leading importer and distributor of tropical produce, with operations in Europe, the US and Central and South America and headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. 

Highline is a fully integrated mushroom business operating from five facilities. It is the largest operator in the mushroom category in Canada. 

McCarthy Tétrault LLP advised Fyffes in Canada with a team led by Lara Nathans that also included Ryan Hornby, Matthew Harris, Emma Sarkisyan and Suraj Rammohan (M&A), Patrick McCay (tax), Kate McNeill-Keller (labour and employment) and Joanna Rosengarten (environmental). Holland & Knight also advised Fyffes, with a team consisting of George Mencio, Emma Solaun, David Barkus, Henry Roque and Danica Malloy. 

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP advised Highline, with a team consisting of Gord McKenna, Michelle Laniel, Eric Richmond and David Bristow. McDermott Will & Emery also advised Highline with a team consisting of Brooks Gruemmer, Bernardo Vaz and Robert Clagg.