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EW GROUP GmbH, the holding company of the world’s leading poultry genetic companies, has concluded an agreement to take majority ownership of the shares in Aqua Gen AS, the Norwegian-based salmon breeding company. The sellers are Verdane Private Equity AS, the Norwegian Seafood Federation (FHL), Biomar AS and Eidsfjord Sjøfarm AS.

 

Aqua Gen has become the leading supplier of genetic material to the global salmon farming industry, and currently has just over 35 per cent of the world market. The company develops, produces and sells genetic material tailored to the aquaculture sector’s requirements for farmed Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout. With its head office in Trondheim , Aqua Gen has production facilities at Hemne and Tingvoll plus a research department in Hamar. It is also represented in Chile through Aqua Gen Chile SA.

 

      “Our entry into Aqua Gen represents an important milestone, which extends our priority areas into the expanding aquaculture industry,” says Erich Wesjohann, president of EW Group.

      “The position Aqua Gen has built up and the results which have been created document that this company has unique expertise and a strong technological edge. A big potential exists for Aqua Gen and EW Group to join forces in securing interesting synergies through the exchange of experience and closer collaboration.”

 

      ”We’re impressed at the progress Aqua Gen has made, and believe it can continue its positive development and acquire new opportunities through a principal shareholder which is so strong in developing and producing genetic material,” says Arne Handeland, a partner of Verdane Capital Advisors.

 

      “This transaction assures Aqua Gen’s continued independence, and I believe it will create an even stronger community of experts and an even better supplier to the aquaculture sector,” adds Trond Davidsen at the FHL.

 

A number of suitors have expressed interest in acquiring the shareholding, which was offered for sale earlier this autumn. After a comprehensive bidding process, an agreement has been concluded on today with EW Group. The share purchase is conditional on the approval of the Aqua Gen board and the Norwegian authorities. It will also depend on existing shareholders waiving their pre-emptive right.

 

      “I’m pleased at the interest shown in Aqua Gen, and very satisfied that we’ll be affiliated to a long-term player like EW Group,” says Odd Magne Rødseth, CEO of Aqua Gen.

      “To be a part of a team with the world leading poultry breeding companies will make important genetic knowledge and research resources available to Aqua Gen. Our new relationship with the EW Group will contribute to further genetic progress in our breeding programmes, and strengthened Aqua Gen position as a trusted and independent supplier to the aquaculture industry”

     

With its head office in Germany EW GROUP is the holding company of a number of independently operating poultry breeding companies in the area of broiler, turkey and egg layer breeding. These companies have a worldwide leading position in their specific field and sell through a network of extensive international operations products to more than 100 countries. EW Group employs 4.000 people worldwide.