Jackson group sold to Iceland

Peterhead businesses Jackson Trawls and Jackson Offshore are under new Icelandic ownership.

Fishing gear group Hampidjan has taken an 80% stake in the firms, the Jackson group’s managing director, Mark Buchan, said last night.

Hampidjan has acquired the businesses – which together employ 27 people– from Mr Buchan, his brother, Stephen, and their families for an undisclosed sum.

Mark Buchan said the companies would carry on as normal, with he and his brother continuing to run them and no changes expected for the workforce.

Hampidjan, based in Reykjavic, employs about 1,100 people across operations in Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand and Russia.

“We will get access to all Hampidjan products”

The group’s last annual report, for 2018, shows turnover of about £128 million.

The Buchan brothers have been running their businesses for several decades, taking them over from their father, Arthur Buchan. John Buchan, the grandfather of Mark and Stephen, founded Jackson in 1962.

Jackson Trawls is a leader in fishing gear sales in the UK and Jackson Offshore mainly sells ropes, hoists and hardware to the oil industry in Scotland.

Mark Buchan said: “With this change in ownership, Jackson will get access to all Hampidjan products and technology.

“Hampidjan is also well-known within the offshore sector, and is manufacturing heavy slings for lifting as well as deep water winch ropes. That will support Jackson Offshore and open up new markets and possibilities.”