Peoples Company continues a series of acquisitions to expand its land brokerage, appraisal, farm management, and capital markets services. Today, the company announced its latest acquisition: Murray Wise Associates, LLC, which is scheduled to close on Nov. 15, 2025. In recent years, Peoples Company acquired two other Illinois-based firms, Land Pro LLC and The Atkins Group.
“Murray Wise Associates has long been recognized as a trusted name in farmland auctions and brokerage,” Steve Bruere, President of Peoples Company said in the company’s announcement. “This acquisition not only strengthens our presence in key agricultural markets but also reflects a broader shift in the industry toward leveraging specialized farm management expertise. We’re excited to welcome the Murray Wise team and to continue delivering exceptional value to landowners and investors.”
Founded by Murray Wise 25 years ago, Murray Wise Associates has completed more than $5 billion in value of land and agribusiness transactions across 20 states. Its nine team members will transition to the Peoples Company team. In November 2021, Farmland Partners acquires Murray Wise Associates.
“Joining forces with Peoples Company creates tremendous opportunities for our clients and team,” Eric Sarff, President of Murray Wise Associates and whose new title will be Peoples Company vice president, said in the company’s announcement. “Peoples Company’s national reach and comprehensive service platform will allow us to deliver even greater value while continuing to provide the personalized service our clients expect.”
The company leaders say this acquisition highlights the trend of partnering institutional and asset management firms with specialized farm management companies. The projected goal is to provide operational efficiency and enhance returns.
“MWA has a talented team that has partnered closely with farmers and clients across the country to grow FPI’s management portfolio over the past four years,” said Farmland Partners President and CEO Luca Fabbri. “I’m thrilled that they will be able to continue their growth under the Peoples Company umbrella. Peoples is a leading farm management firm with a cutting-edge proprietary technology platform, and we look forward to working closely with them in the future.”