Norsk Sjømat has increased its stake in the Norwegian fishery group Nergård to 60.1%. Samherji has at the same time increased its stake to 39,9%. The two companies are looking to invest in processing, manufacturing and development of new whitefish products in northern Norway.
Nergård’s integrated system of operating incorporates catching, processing and sales, and the company has its operations at a number of locations across northern Norway, making Nergård the second largest producer in this region.
Norsk Sjømat has been a co-owner of Nergård since 2010 and controlled about 42% of the company before the new acquisition. Samherji became a Nergård’s ownership in 2014, initially with a 22% stake.
“We want Nergård AS to develop from being a supplier of raw materials and semi-finished products to becoming a manufacturer of finished products. A lot of this value added processing will take place in Northern Norway. Our position is that processing and manufacturing as close to the source of raw materials as possible is key to delivering the world's best products,” said Norsk Sjømat’s CEO Per Magne Grøndahl.
“Salmon companies used to be the only ones who could offer stable fish deliveries throughout the year. We see a lot of opportunities in how Nergård has set up their infrastructure to now be able to deliver fresh cod 365 days a year. Soon Nergård will, for example, be able to offer cod with sashimi quality. That will literally open a whole new world for cod products.”
“We have had close ties and cooperation with both Norsk Sjømat and Samherji for several years now,” commented Nergård CEO Tommy Torvanger.
“They are companies who work wholeheartedly and thoroughly with the development of seafood products. The increased focus on manufacturing and finished products will be a further boost for us and the values we create throughout the entire region.”
The acquisition has yet to be approved by the Norwegian authorities.
