Narragansett, Rhode Island, U.S.A.-based American Food Partners (AFP) has acquired seafood supplier NGC, Inc., which conducts business under the name The Town Dock, and its affiliated fleet of vessels.
The acquisition of The Town Dock, a supplier specializing in squid and calamari, reflects AFP’s “growing presence in the U.S. market,” AFP said in a press release. By adding The Town Dock, AFP now has several seafood brands in its portfolio, including SeaFresh USA and Handrigan Seafood.
“We are happy to join AFP and are looking forward to significant growth of our squid program, especially our Rhode Island calamari,” The Town Dock President and CEO Ryan Clark, who will remain as CEO, said. “It’s exciting to have this new platform for growth and to continue providing our customers with calamari and seafood under The Town Dock brand name.”
Founded in 1980 by Clark’s father, Noah, in Wickford, Rhode Island, The Town Dock has grown into an international player and market leader in providing wholesale squid and other seafood to retail and foodservice clients. It has docking operations in Port Judith, Rhode Island, as well as BRC-certified processing facilities in Narragansett and Johnston, Rhode Island.
“Acquiring a company as well-respected as The Town Dock is an excellent addition for us,” AFP Principal Ignacio Tirado said. “The synergies with our existing brands is extraordinary, and we have full confidence in Ryan and The Town Dock team to continue their legacy of exceptional seafood.”
Ignacio Kleiman, managing partner of Antarctica Advisors, a seafood industry-focused M&A advisory firm that acted as the exclusive investment banking advisor to Town Dock, said the acquisition of The Town Dock helps expand AFP's direct access to the U.S. market with a brand recognized for its high-quality squid products
It also aligns with AFP’s mission to strategically unite industry-leading companies under one banner, “ensuring a robust supply chain and unparalleled product excellence,” AFP said.
“We are passionate about seafood and committed to serving the best the ocean has to offer,” the firm said.
