SalMar: Agreement to acquire Villa Miljolaks AS
Villa Miljølaks holds a total of 3 fish farming licenses. 2 licenses for the production of organic salmon (awarded in the licensing round in 2009) and an R & D license that runs until 31 December 2012. In addition, the company operates an R & D license for Aalesund University College that runs until June 2012. The company expects to harvest about 2 500 tons gutted weight in 2011, of which approx. 1 700 tons is scheduled for the second half of the year. The total production capacity for the 4 licenses is about 4 000 tons gutted weight per year.
The R & D activities of the company's two R & D licenses are aimed at projects related to use of wrasse/cleanerfish to combat salmon lice, which is an established priority for SalMar - and an area where the group holds considerable expertise. SalMar look forward to a continuation of the established R & D partnerships with existing external partners.
SalMar already owns 3 licenses related to farming of organic salmon, and this acquisition strengthens SalMar's commitment and ability to deliver for this market. Organic salmon has higher production costs than normal production, but also achieve higher prices in the market place. To achieve a higher level of efficiency and strengthen operational benefits, SalMar has a long term strategy to co-locate the operation of the Groups organic licenses in the Møre & Romsdal region. SalMar aims to achieve equally good margins on its production of organic salmon as it does on its regular salmon production.
Completion of the transaction is subject to due diligence, board approval and approval from competition authorities in Norway. The transaction is scheduled to be completed 11th July.