American Seafoods
Deal News | Jan 07, 2025 | EIN
The article discusses significant trends and transactions within the seafood M&A space, focusing on events and companies that will shape the industry landscape in 2025. It highlights key players such as ACON Investments, Captain Fresh, Cooke, and Pacific Seafood Group, who were involved in major deals in the past year. Bregal Partners is deliberating the sale of American Seafoods Group, while private equity firm CapVest Partners has paused its entry into US smoked salmon production. Another notable interest is the consolidation within Alaska's seafood processing sector and Japanese companies exploring global M&A opportunities. Specific transactions include Acon's acquisition of assets from Atlantic Capes Fisheries and Captain Fresh's intentions for an IPO following significant buyouts. Cooke's strategy following its acquisition of Copeinca is also in focus. Additionally, the article notes upcoming European deals and challenges facing the seabass and seabream sector.
Sectors
- Seafood Industry
- Private Equity
Geography
- United States – Numerous involved companies are based in, or their activities are prominent in the United States, such as American Seafoods and Captain Fresh.
- Europe – The article discusses European companies like Avramar Seafood, involved in significant M&A activities.
- Alaska – Alaska is a key geographical focus due to ongoing consolidation in the seafood processing industry within the state.
Industry
- Seafood Industry – The primary focus of the article is on the seafood industry, particularly on mergers and acquisitions involving major companies in this sector.
- Private Equity – The involvement of various private equity firms such as Bregal Partners and CapVest Partners highlights the role of private equity in seafood industry transactions.
Financials
- Potential ASG valuation: $1 billion – The expected valuation of American Seafoods Group in potential sale talks.
- Captain Fresh IPO Valuation: $1.5 billion (expected) – The anticipated valuation for Captain Fresh's 2025 IPO.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bregal Partners | Controlling Shareholder | Company | A private equity firm evaluating the sale of American Seafoods Group. |
| American Seafoods Group (ASG) | Target Company | Company | The largest at-sea pollock processor, potentially up for sale by Bregal Partners. |
| CapVest Partners | Private Equity Firm | Company | A UK-based firm considering expansion into US smoked salmon production. |
| Captain Fresh | Target/Bidding Company | Company | An Indian company involved in multiple acquisitions with plans for a 2025 IPO. |
| Acon Investments | Bidding Company | Company | A US investment firm that acquired assets from Atlantic Capes Fisheries. |
| Cooke Inc. | Bidding Company | Company | A Canadian seafood company expanding through strategic acquisitions, such as Copeinca. |
| Pacific Seafood Group | Bidding Company | Company | An active participant in the Alaskan consolidation through acquisitions. |
| Avramar Seafood | Target Company | Company | A distressed European aquaculture firm part of potential M&A activity in 2025. |
| Aqua Bridge Group | Potential Buyer | Company | A UAE-based company in discussions to acquire Avramar's Greek assets. |