Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer advises Hartree Partners on the acquisition of Touton Group

Founded in 1848, Touton has established itself as a key player in the trading of cocoa, coffee, vanilla and spices. The group employs over 700 people across 14 subsidiaries worldwide and operates 7 processing and packaging sites.

This transaction enables Hartree to strengthen its presence in the agricultural commodities sector by acquiring a recognized player with proven expertise, operational resilience, and a strong commitment to sustainability. Hartree has 27 years of experience in proprietary trading and direct investments and employs more than 4,600 people globally.

The completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and closing conditions.

The cross-border team from HSF Kramer advising Hartree Partners was led and coordinated by Nina Bowyer (Partner), Christopher Theris (Partner), Martin Dijos (Of Counsel) and Hugh Cronin (Associate), and involved the following teams in Paris:

• Emma Rohsler (Partner) and Guilhem Seronie-Doutriaux (Of Counsel) – Employment
• Bruno Knadjian (Partner) and Sylvain Piémont (Associate) – Tax
• Louis de Longeaux (Partner) and Sophie Joubert (Of Counsel) – Finance
• Emmanuel Ronco (Partner) and Clémence Dubois Ahlqvist (Associate) – IP / GDPR
• Rémi Jouaneton (Partner) and Maxime Ménache (Associate) – Compliance
• Ayah Al-Sharari, Amélie Dugast, William Mekki and Marcus Köttering (Associates) – Due diligence

Other HSF Kramer offices were also involved, including:

• London: Steven Dalton (Partner) and Frank Thompson (Consultant)
• Singapore: Victor Chiew (Partner)
• Düsseldorf: Olivier Duys (Partner)
• New York: Adi Herman (Partner)

Hartree Partners was also advised by Société Générale (financial advisor) and PwC Société d’Avocats (tax advisor). Touton was advised by Clifford Chance Paris LLP.