Files

Abstract

RBS began keeping detailed statistics on mergers, acquisitions, consolidations, bankruptcies, and other “M/C” activities in 1993. Of the 367 events involving grain cooperatives, most occurred in recent years (53 percent in 1996 and 1997), and among cooperatives having less than $15 million in total sales (63 percent). These cooperatives were located principally in the heartland. Eighty-seven percent occurred in either the Corn Belt or the Southern Plains. Almost 70 percent (252 of 367) involved cooperatives merging with another. A small number of cooperatives either merged with (9) or were acquired by (18) investor-owned-firms. This report analyzes the operational and financial characteristics of the cooperatives that were merged or consolidated (M/C) during 1993-97. The report also frames M/C and surviving cooperatives in the context of agriculture’s economic restructuring. Lessons learned provide insights to the challenges that lie ahead for grain cooperatives hoping to thrive.

Details

PDF

Statistics

from
to
Export
Download Full History