Samherji buys stake in Slade Gorton, strikes distribution deal

Boston-based Slade Gorton announced on 17 May Icelandic fishing company Samherji has become a minority shareholder and that the two companies have formed a strategic partnership that will bring more of Samherji’s products to the United States.

The deal allows Samherji, which fishes for cod, haddock, redfish, halibut and pelagics in European, African and Canadian waters and farms several species of finfish in Iceland, to expand its reach into the U.S., while Slade Gorton will use Samherji’s products to expand its value-added line of business.

"Samherji has made a significant investment in Slade Gorton, and is glad to have the opportunity to partner with a company with such a longstanding legacy in the seafood industry,” Samherji Head of Sales Gustaf Baldvinsson said. “We believe that the alliance between our businesses provides exciting opportunities to both Samherji and Slade Gorton."

Terms of the deal were not announced, but president and CEO Kim Gorton said the Gorton family will retain majority ownership and control of Slade Gorton.

“This partnership with Samherji is an exciting development in the evolution of Slade Gorton,” she said. “Samherji will be a great strategic fit as we are able to offer our customers more vertically integrated access to some of the most sustainably harvested and grown seafood in the world, and capitalize on growing consumer interest in where their food comes from. The Gorton family remains deeply committed to the old trades, new technologies and longstanding relationships that have been integral to Slade Gorton’s success. This is a fantastic opportunity to work with like-minded people who are as passionate about bringing wholesome and sustainable seafood to America’s table as we are.”

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