Gael Force Group, a Scottish manufacturer and supplier of equipment, technology, and services to aquaculture and other marine markets, has announced the acquisition of 75 percent of fish farm pen manufacturer Fusion Marine Ltd.
Both companies are long-time suppliers to the Scottish aquaculture market, particularly to the salmon farming segment. Terms of the deal, which is scheduled to close in early April 2018, were not announced.
“Both our companies are friends in the market and have worked together for many years,” Gael Force Managing Director Stewart Graham said. “We are delighted to have reached this agreement with Fusion Marine. Our discussions have highlighted just how aligned we are and what a good fit both companies are for each other, and for our key customer offering.
Barcaldine, Scotland-based Fusion Marine has earned a reputation in the aquaculture community for the quality, strength, and versatility of its fish farm pens and equipment, Graham said.
“Our combined expertise, experience and product range will help both Fusion and Gael Force drive growth both in the Scottish market and in our target export markets, too,” he said. “All of us at Gael Force are hugely excited by the growth opportunities this deal presents and look forward to working with our friends at Fusion Marine to grow our combined business.”
Gael Force, headquartered in Inverness, Scotland, is composed of subsidiaries Gael Force Engineering, Gael Force Marine Equipment, Gael Force Marine Technology, and Gael Force Rentals. The acquisition will allow Gael Force to further expand and develop its capabilities in end-to-end supply and manufacture of fish-farming products and services, Graham said.
Fusion Marine Managing Director Stephen Divers said the merging of the two companies will benefit customers through the new entity’s joint knowledge of marine equipment and commitment to innovation, as well as its larger geographic footprint.
“It has been very clear throughout discussions that the common values and approach to business we share with Gael Force will enable both companies to combine our strengths to invest in new innovative products and solutions for the industry, and continue to deliver the best service for our customers, both in Scotland and overseas,” Divers said. “Our focus is on our customers and we have great confidence that working together in the Gael Force Group we are even better positioned to deliver value to the market in support of our long standing key customers. Our planned investment in innovative new product development in the pens market will be an early example of that.”
