DLA Piper advises Lotus Bakeries on land acquisition in Thailand as part of major Asia expansion plans

DLA Piper has advised Lotus Bakeries, the Belgian headquartered snack manufacturer, on its acquisition of land for the construction of a new Lotus®Biscoff® production site within the industrial estates in Chonburi Province in Thailand. DLA Piper’s advice included conducting land due diligence, preparing contracts for acquisition and registering the land purchase.

The new plant in Thailand will provide additional capacity and allow consumers to receive fresher products, within a shorter timeframe. It also allows Lotus®Biscoff® to respond more swiftly and efficiently to local opportunities, as well as saving on transportation costs and reducing the company’s carbon footprint. The factory is estimated to be operational in 2026.

Lotus Bakeries has ambitious plans for Lotus®Biscoff® to become the third largest cookie brand in the world. Lotus Bakeries is already present in 70 countries worldwide, and has production facilities in Europe and the US. The growth achieved in recent years in the markets in which it already operates, coupled with the potential for international growth still to be realised, supports the company’s belief that it can achieve this ambition. The company’s substantial investment in developing additional production facilities in Asia further evidences this belief.

Samata Masagee, Corporate Partner who led the transaction commented “We were delighted to advise Lotus Bakeries on it strategic investment in Thailand. Thailand was chosen as the site of its new production facility due to its central geographic location in Asia, its infrastructure and transportation links, the existing presence of a thriving food manufacturing industry, as well as access to a well-regulated labour force. This is an exciting development for both Lotus Bakeries and Thailand; and we look forward to seeing Lotus®Biscoff® achieve its ambitions.”

The DLA Piper team was led by Samata Masagee, Partner, Corporate. She was supported by Senior Associates Parama Saovabha (Corporate) and Supranee Arjjit (Real Estate), as well as Associates Kanokkorn Viriyasutum and Nutnaree Watthanorom, both Corporate. Samata and the team are all based in Bangkok.