Scottish processor expanding again with boat purchase

U.K.-based wild shellfish processor Macduff Shellfish has announced it has purchased a shellfish trading business and its scallop fishing vessels, the latest in a series of acquisitions in recent years.

Macduff purchased four scallop fishing vessels and the trading business from Greendale Group, which is based in Exeter, England, according to local media.

Macduff executives said they have had a relationship with Greendale that has gone back a decade, making the acquisition a logical step. Macduff is also using the acquisition to gain a foothold in southwest England. Macduff will take on all the employees working for the purchased properties.

Macduff has been on a growth spurt, now four times as large as it was 10 years ago. Macduff executives told local media that the new acquisition will represent a 40 percent growth in the company’s scallop fishing fleet, and the company hopes to double in size again over the next three years.