In brief: High Liner to acquire Viking Seafoods

High Liner Foods on Friday announced is reached an agreement to acquire value-added foodservice company Viking Seafoods of Malden, Mass.

High Liner expects to pay CAD 31.5 million, which does not include Viking’s plant, which the company will lease.

“Our vision is to become the leading value-added frozen seafood company in North America. A key component of High Liner's overall growth strategy is to acquire complementary businesses that strengthen our market leadership position. This deal fits perfectly with that plan,” said High Liner CEO Henry Demone. “Viking is well-established in many key market segments, and known for offering its customers quality and value.”

The transaction is expected to close before 31 December, subject to High Liner’s due diligence process, final board approval and finalization of a formal purchase agreement.

 Grieg Seafood receives aquaculture funding

Grieg Seafood Hjaltland subsidiary Hjaltland Hatcheries on Friday announced that it received grant funding approval from the European Fisheries Fund for development of its 100 percent water recirculation hatchery.

The total cost of the project is projected to be more than EUR 3.7 million, with the grants going toward infrastructure, construction, services, ground works, feed systems and stability in supply to meet market requirements.

The hatchery will produce around 3.2 million smolts annually, which will go toward 50 percent of Hjaltlans Seafarms annual demand

App launched for Maine lobster

Dorr Lobster of Milbridge, Maine, on Thursday launched an app for Apple products, including iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, that allows consumers to order Maine lobster.

The app can be downloaded from the company’s website and allows consumers to search a menu of items and order Maine seafood products from the company, including a lobster dinner for two and Maine scallops.

“We realize that everyone is very busy this time of year and this app makes it easy and convenient for shoppers to get lobster for the holidays,” said Chad Dorr, owner. “My parents started this business 30 years ago and I take pride in the Maine lobster industry so keeping us current with technology trends is vital. This app helps us reach savvy consumers.”

Aquaculture Stewardship Council looks for new CEO

As part of the transition to its full implementation phase, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council on Friday announced it is seeking nominations for a permanent CEO.

During the developmental phase, the ASC was led by Philip Smith, whose contract expires soon. The council is also looking for nominations for its five- to nine-person supervisory board.