The price of the trawler, including the fishing rights with delivery obligations to Finnmark, is NOK 44 million.
Assuming that the structuring opportunities continue, the plan is to allocate the quota to one of Finnmark Havfiske's existing trawlers in 2007.
The purchase is an important part of Aker Seafoods' plan regarding securing a stable raw material basis to the company's processing plants throughout the year.
The purchase of the trawler quota and the vessel makes it possible for Aker Seafoods to meet the increased demand for high quality whitefish products in today's market, says CEO Yngve Myhre.
Aker Seafoods plans to convert a large amount of the quota for cod from Kjølnestrål from frozen to fresh utilisation.
Further, Myhre says that several of Aker Seafoods' customers are expecting a sales increase of more than 20 per cent in 2007, which requires further development of the company's processing activities in North Norway. This development will be an important contribution to increase the basis for operations and activities for the company's approximately 1,000 employees in this region.
The acquisition is contingent on approval from the fishery authorities and the Aker Seafoods Board of Directors.
