Assets of East Coast Brokers and Packers to sell in series of sealed bid offerings

MULBERRY, Fla., May 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Farms, packing houses, labor camps, a luxury hotel, a former Bible college and a number of other properties owned by East Coast Brokers and Packers Inc. and the Madonia family will be offered for sale in a series of sealed bid offerings in June and early July.

Murray Wise Associates, in cooperation with Crosby & Associates, is handling the offerings for East Coast Brokers and Packers, its shareholders and related entities, which filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March.  

"After two years of freezes on its Florida farms, a hurricane on its Virginia farms in 2011, and years of challenges resulting from years of cheap imports, a Chapter 11 filing was needed to provide the Madonia family an opportunity to sell assets in an organized fashion. This process will provide enough liquidity to satisfy creditors and allow the Madonia family to reorganize and carry on its operations," said Ken Nofziger, president of Murray Wise Associates.

"Because of the sheer size and diversity, we will offer these properties in groupings and provide detailed information to interested bidders," said Nofziger. Each group of assets will have a sealed bid submission date, followed by a court-supervised auction for qualified bidders:

• More than 7,000 acres of Florida farm and development land in Martin, HIllsborough, Polk and Manatee counties; two packing houses; a former Bible college, and several labor camps. Bids will be due by 5 p.m. Thursday, June 20.
• Thirteen farms totaling approximately 3,000 acres; four packing houses; seven labor camps, and several homes in Accomack and Northampton counties in Virginia.  Bids will be due by 5 p.m. Thursday, June 20.
• The elegant Red Rose Hotel in Plant City, along with luxury condominiums in Naples and Stuart, as well as other houses and properties not directly related to the tomato business. Bids will be due by 5 p.m. Friday, July 5.
• Commercial and residential buildings in Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania, including  warehouse and cold storage facilities, industrial and residential lots, and several luxury homes. Bids will be due by 5 p.m. Friday, July 5.

"Taken as a whole, these properties amount to a major integrated operation. Individually, the properties represent a major value to packers, farmers or investors," said Nofziger. Individuals interested in additional information about the properties may visit www.murraywiseassociates.com or call 800-607-6888.

Murray Wise Associates LLC, headquartered in Champaign, Ill., with additional offices in Florida and Iowa, is a leading national agricultural real estate marketing and financial advisory firm.   

Crosby and Associates, Inc., based in Winter Haven , FL, with offices in Tavares, FL and Hawkinsville, GA., is a noted provider of agriculture real estate brokerage and management services.

For more information:
Carl Carter, 205-823-3273

SOURCE Murray Wise Associates