Key Takeaways:
- WisdomTree finalizes acquisition of Ceres Partners, a U.S.-based farmland asset manager
- Transaction valued at $275 million upfront, with potential $225 million earnout by 2030
- Marks WisdomTree’s entry into private asset markets, beginning with farmland
- Acquisition strengthens diversification strategy and provides investors with inflation-protected income opportunities
WisdomTree expands into private markets with farmland platform
WisdomTree, Inc. (NYSE: WT) announced the completion of its acquisition of Ceres Partners, LLC, marking the firm’s first step into private asset markets. The move introduces farmland as a core investment platform alongside WisdomTree’s existing exchange-traded products, managed models, and digital tokenization initiatives.
Farmland has historically delivered equity-like returns with low volatility and low correlation to traditional markets. By entering this sector, WisdomTree aims to offer investors diversified access to a real asset class that combines scale, durable income, and resilience.
Jonathan Steinberg, Founder and CEO of WisdomTree, described the acquisition as “a transformative moment” for the company, noting that farmland “is a space where we can truly differentiate, establish leadership, and capture meaningful growth.”
Terms of the acquisition
WisdomTree acquired Ceres Partners for $275 million in cash at closing, funded from its recently completed convertible senior notes offering. An additional earnout of up to $225 million may be payable in 2030 if Ceres meets revenue growth targets.
Ceres’ farmland investment platform, which has delivered net annualized returns of more than 10% since inception, will now integrate into WisdomTree’s broader portfolio.
Ceres Partners’ perspective
Perry Vieth, Founder and CEO of Ceres Partners, emphasized the importance of the new partnership: “For nearly two decades, we’ve built a farmland investment platform rooted in performance, operational expertise and partnerships with farmers. With WisdomTree’s scale, distribution and digital innovation, we can bring farmland and adjacent opportunities in solar leasing, AI data infrastructure and water rights to a broader base of investors, driving the next chapter of growth.”
Positioning for long-term growth
With the acquisition complete, WisdomTree positions itself at the intersection of public and private markets. The company sees farmland not only as an attractive investment vehicle, but also as a strategic foundation for expanding into additional private market opportunities.
This transaction represents a continuation of WisdomTree’s growth strategy, providing clients with new avenues for diversification and long-term value creation.
