Cargill has entered into an agreement with Altor Fund III and Bain Capital Europe III to acquire EWOS, a global leader in salmon nutrition for 1.35 billion euros. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close before the end of the calendar year.
"This transaction, which is significant and the second aquaculture acquisition Cargill has announced in as many months, is a strategic investment in our long-term growth and evidence of our commitment to the growing aquaculture industry," said David MacLennan, Cargill president and CEO.
The acquisition gives Cargill entry into the salmon market and will make Cargill's animal nutrition business a leading player in the growing salmon feed industry, one of the most advanced and professionally managed segments in global aquaculture. As part of the transaction, Cargill will acquire seven feed manufacturing facilities; three in Norway, and one each in Chile, Canada, Scotland and Vietnam, as well as two state-of-the-art R&D centers located in Norway and Chile. EWOS produces more than 1.2 million metric tons of salmon feed for the biggest salmon producers in the world.