Legal team size:3 

What are the most significant cases and transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?
COFCO International, Ltd. (“COFCO International”) and GROWMARK Inc. (“GROWMARK”) recently completed two simultaneous transactions. As part of the agreement, COFCO International acquired GROWMARK’s minority stake in a transloading facility in the Midwest, while GROWMARK purchased COFCO International’s ownership interest in a nearby grain warehouse. This complex yet rewarding transaction positions us to explore new directions in the U.S. market.

Which recent political, economic or regulatory changes have impacted your work the most in the past year?

Data privacy. We are working around the clock to make sure we track and follow the numerous data privacy laws emerging across various states and internationally, wherever they may impact our operations. In the U.S. alone, eleven states have enacted consumer data privacy laws, and five new laws taking effect in 2023. With data omnipresent in our industry, safeguarding it has become an essential priority.

How does your legal team collaborate with other departments within the company? ?  

By building effective relationships with our colleagues across the organisation, we are fully integrated with the business, gaining an understanding of what they do, how they do it, and why they do it. This insight into the organisation enables us to be a valuable partner to our colleagues in other departments. To enhance our effectiveness, we pride ourselves on having an open-door policy, being responsive, and communicating promptly and accurately. In doing so, we facilitate collaboration across the organisation.