American animal nutrition firm Cargill has announced it is acquiring Norwegian salmon feed company EWOS for EUR 1.35 billion (USD 1.5 billion).
In a statement, Cargill said the company expects to close on the transaction before the end of the calendar year, pending regulatory approval.
"EWOS is a winning company," said Sarena Lin, president of Cargill's feed and nutrition business. "Adding its industry-leading talent and capabilities as well as its thought leadership in sustainable business practices will be transformational for our aquaculture nutrition business.”
The acquisition will include seven feed manufacturing facilities in Norway, Chile, Canada, Scotland and Vietnam, and two research and development centers in Norway and Chile. Cargill is acquiring 1,000 employees with the facilities.
"Cargill and EWOS will create a new, world-class aqua feed supply capability that will support the growth potential for fish and seafood consumption and create new opportunities for customers and employees alike,” said EWOS CEO Einar Wathne.
The acquisition adds to Cargill's existing aquaculture operations in Mexico, Central America, China, the United States, Southeast Asia, India and Ecuador. The acquisition follows the announcement in early July of a USD 30 million (EUR 27 million) joint venture between Cargill and Naturisa to build a shrimp feed facility in Ecuador.
