Mergers and acquisitions trends in the Russian agricultural sector: consolidation and survival of small players

Analysts note that approximately 20-25 transactions worth approximately 130-150 billion rubles were concluded over the past six months, slightly below the same period last year. Declining profitability is forcing many asset owners to consider sales, especially in financially constrained segments such as livestock farming and processing.

Experts emphasize that interest in potential deals remains high, particularly for vertically integrated assets, which allow for cost optimization and improved logistics. Factors influencing deal activity include the increasing tax burden and the lack of foreign capital in the market.

Despite the expected slowdown in activity in the second half of the year, prospects for distressed asset deals, particularly in the livestock and logistics sectors, remain strong.