Article: Land sale mystery in farms collapse

THE OWNERS of Crafar Farms signed a deal to sell most of the massive North Island property to a controversial Chinese businesswoman just three months before its operations were placed in receivership.

Last week four companies owned by the family interests of brothers Allan and Frank Crafar were put into receivership by a banking consortium led by Westpac Bank, which, along with PGG Wrightson Finance and some other minor creditors, is believed to be owed around $230 million.

Between them the four companies - Hillside Ltd, Taharua Ltd, Ferry View Farms Ltd and Plateau Farms Ltd - own about 7800ha in the central North Island, most of which is used for dairying.

It is the largest family-owned ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!