Milan, Italy-based investment firm Ambienta has acquired four aquaculture technology companies to serve as the core of its new sustainable aquaculture platform.
On 1 October, the European asset manager announced it had acquired Surnadal, Norway-based Bio Marine AS (BioMarine); Kristiansund, Norway-based Flatsetsund Engineering AS (FLS); Langevåg, Norway-based Smir; and Faroe Islands-based GroAqua.
“Aquaculture is one of the most resource-efficient sources of animal protein, and we believe it has a critical role to play in feeding a growing population within planetary boundaries,” Ambienta Partner Milena Torciano Nyström said in a release. “BioMarine, FLS, Smir, and GroAqua represent exactly the kind of technology-driven businesses we look for: They solve real operational and welfare challenges for farmers today while materially reducing the environmental footprint of the industry. Bringing them together is the first step in building a pioneering platform that will scale the technologies the sector needs to grow sustainably.”
Ambienta boasts EUR 4.5 billion (USD 5 billion) in assets and focuses its investments in “environmental megatrends.” The four acquisitions were categorized as “resource efficiency” and “pollution control” investments under the company’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) framework, and Ambienta said the companies offer complementary technologies that can help aquaculture producers ensure fish welfare and survival, reduce chemical usage, limit pollution, and reduce feed losses.
“Each of these four companies has built its leadership position by solving mission-critical challenges that farmers face every day – from feeding efficiency and oxygen management to sea lice control and biosecurity,” Sverre Taknes, who was announced as the CEO of Ambienta's new platform, said. “By bringing together complementary technologies and deep industry expertise, we are creating a platform that can address these challenges in a more integrated way, accelerate innovation, and bring proven solutions to farmers at greater scale. Ultimately, our ambition is simple: to help farmers produce healthier fish, more efficiently, and with a lower environmental impact while supporting the sustainable growth of the aquaculture industry.”
The firm was advised by ABG Sundal Collier, Advokatfirmaet Thommessen, EY, Arkwright, and DNV in the acquisitions. The terms of the acquisitions were not revealed.
Bluefront Equity indicated it was pleased with the deal to sell its 64 percent stake in BioMarine, highlighting its impressive growth under Bluefront’s co-ownership.
“Since we became majority shareholder in 2022, Bio Marine’s revenue, operating profit, and workforce have quadrupled,” Bluefront Chief Investment Officer Simen Landmark said in a release. “Owning and developing the company together with the fantastic Bio Marine team has been a privilege. We are proud of how the company has evolved during our stewardship.”
According to Bluefront, BioMarine delivered NOK 94.9 million (USD 9.9 million, EUR 8.8 million) in revenue in 2025. Since Bluefront became majority owner, BioMarine has grown its workforce from 10 to 40 employees and produced an annual return of 30 percent to its investors.
“Ambienta shares our view that sustainability is the foundation of long-term economic success. They acquire an excellent company that combines deep expertise in biology and technology, which makes Bio Marine uniquely positioned to drive the transformation of the seafood industry,” Bluefront Chief Operating Officer Sondre Storli said in a release.
