Benchmark Holdings, the aquaculture biotechnology company, announces that it has
acquired the remaining 10.52% minority interest in its subsidiary Benchmark
Genetics Iceland. Enhanced by the recent construction of a new incubation
centre, Benchmark Genetics Iceland is core to the Company's ability to supply
highly specialist, biosecure salmon eggs to salmon producers to c. 35 countries
around the world, year-round. Benchmark Genetics Iceland represents 50% of the
Group's salmon egg capacity.
Background
In December 2014 Benchmark acquired a 89.48% interest in Stofnfiskur,
subsequently rebranding it Benchmark Genetics Iceland and merging it with its
salmon genetics business in Norway. Since the acquisition, the business has
grown substantially, benefitting from Benchmark's leading market position,
investment and knowledge transfer within the Group.
Trond Williksen commented:
"Benchmark's genetics operations in Iceland have a 200m egg capacity and are
core to our ability to supply highly biosecure salmon eggs year round to
customers around the world. The acquisition of the remaining minority interest
is a natural step in delivering shareholder value through full ownership of the
success of our genetics business."
Rabobank acted as financial adviser to Benchmark in the transaction.
Enquiries
For further information, please contact:
Benchmark Holdings plc Tel: 020 3696 0630
Trond Williksen, CEO
Septima Maguire, CFO
Ivonne Cantu, Investor Relations
Numis (Broker and NOMAD) Tel: 020 7260 1000
James Black, Freddie Barnfield, Duncan Monteith
MHP Communications Tel: 020 3128 8742 / 8591
Katie Hunt, Reg Hoare, Veronica Farah benchmark@mphc.com
About Benchmark
Benchmark is a market leading aquaculture biotechnology company. Benchmark's
mission is to drive sustainability in aquaculture by delivering products and
solutions in genetics, advanced nutrition and health which improve yield, growth
and animal health and welfare.
Through a global footprint in 26 countries and a broad portfolio of products and
solutions, Benchmark serves major aquaculture species - salmon, shrimp, sea bass
and bream and tilapia- in main aquaculture regions around the world. Find out
more at www.benchmarkplc.com