Factor in distributing tangerines? (5)

I believe the answer is:

agent

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'factor' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for agent that I've seen before include "Actors' manager" , "who can act?" , "Instrument" , "One representing others" , "Salesman" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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