Archer Daniels Makes $2.77 Billion Bid for GrainCorp

Oct 22, 2012

ADM Woos Australian Rival GrainCorp With Exclusive Bid

Illinois-based agriculture giant Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has put a $2.76 billion cash bid on the table to purchase Australian rival GrainCorp. The offer was made public in a news release on Monday, where GrainCrop disclosed that ADM offered $11.75 a share, a 33 percent premium to its Friday traded share price. GrainCrop is in the midst of reviewing the proposal, but hasn’t disclosed its decision on the offer.

The offer has conditions attached, including exclusivity, due diligence and a recommendation to GrainCrop’s board to favor its bid. The bid signals ADM’s plan to expand its global presence outside of the U.S. The move isn’t ADM’s first attempt to grow its business. Less than a year ago, ADM pulled out of the race to buy Viterra, which was eventually bought up by Glencore for CAD$2.2 billion.

GrainCorp was founded in 1916 and in its infancy was part of the New South Wales state government’s Department of Agriculture. The company evolved and became privatized in the 1980s and acquired other Australian grain handlers including Vic Grain, Grainco and Hunter Grain. Australia is currently ranked the second-largest wheat exporter in the world.

Video: Winter Service Inspections for John Deere Equipment - The FarmCast Ep64

The FarmCast, host Troy Randall speaks with Doug Luedke, Vice President of Service, and Davin Peterson, Executive Vice President of Aftermarket at 21st Century Equipment, to discuss the importance of proactive service and how it helps farmers reduce downtime during their busiest seasons. The conversation focuses on the Winter Service Inspection Program, a comprehensive approach designed to keep equipment running at peak performance and limit costly in-season breakdowns through preventative maintenance and expert technician support.

Doug and Devin explain how 21st Century Equipment’s service teams have evolved to meet the needs of today’s connected machines. With more technology and data integrated into modern equipment, technicians now play a vital role in both mechanical repairs and precision ag support. Through advanced diagnostics, machine monitoring, and John Deere’s Expert Alerts, they can identify and address potential issues before they become major problems—saving customers valuable time, money, and frustration.

Throughout the discussion, the team shares real-world success stories demonstrating how proactive inspections and customer-focused service help maximize uptime and efficiency for every operation. Whether it’s a large tractor, combine, or small mower, the goal remains the same: to provide trusted, reliable support that helps farmers and landowners stay productive and confident in their equipment year-round.