AquaGen acquires 51 per cent of AquaSearch ova
AQUAGEN has bought 51 per cent of the shares in the Danish based breeding company AquaSearch ova, one of the world’s leading suppliers of genetics for the portion size trout market.
Globally, portion size trout is one of the fastest growing aquaculture sectors and has become an important commodity of animal protein. Production in 2016 was 650,000 tonnes, with annual growth of five to seven per cent over the last three years.
AquaSearch ova, established in 2006, is a leading global player in breeding and egg production of trout. From its headquarters in Billund, the company has developed cost effective production and distribution from its six broodstock farms in Denmark.
‘Our association with AquaSearch ova represents an important strategic milestone for AquaGen,’ said Odd Magne Rødseth, chairman of Trondheim based AquaGen.
‘With this we get a new platform for growth and value creation, helping AquaGen to maintain and strengthen its commitment to trout breeding.
‘Due to a limited market for large trout, many breeding companies in Europe and Chile have chosen to close down their breeding programmes for trout.
‘AquaSearch ova’s strong position within the portion size trout sector completes our commitment to all farmed species of salmon and trout.’
Torben Nielsen, CEO of AquaSearch ova, said: ‘This transaction is very positive for the trout industry because it helps to provide advanced technology and research resources to more trout farmers around the world.’