“Worldwide sector leader” in aqua culture
Cermaq specialises in fish food and salmon
farming and last year had a turnover of 11.8 billion Norwegian crowns (1.6
billion euro). According to Marine Harvest, which farms a fifth of all salmon
sold worldwide, the incorporation of Cermaq will create a “worldwide sector
leader” in aqua culture.
Marine Harvest already owns 4.34 million shares
of Cermaq, worth 4.7% of the total share capital. The Norwegians are willing to
pay 105 crowns per share (13.85 euro) to take over Cermaq, a total value of 9.7
billion crowns (half cash, half shares). The largest shareholder of Cermaq is
the Norwegian government with 43.54% of all shares. Marine Harvest is said to launch its offer
shortly, following the general assembly on 23 May.
Publicly traded Marine Harvest employs about
6,200 people. The group is active in 22 countries and had sales of 2.1 billion
euro in 2012.
