Feed producer agrees deal to buy LetSea aquaculture research centre
Acquisition will enhance capacity for innovation, says BioMar
Aquafeed manufacturer BioMar has signed an agreement to acquire full ownership of LetSea, which it describes as Norway’s leading experimental and research centre for aquaculture.
BioMar already owns 34% of LetSea and will buy the remaining 66% stake from the current owner, KapNor, subject to approval from authorities.
The feed producer said it has had many years of successful collaboration with LetSea on research and development. It added that with the acquisition of LetSea, it aims to consolidate and advance its innovation work, including waterborne feeding, the development of new feed ingredients, and continuous improvements in fish performance, health and welfare.
A very competent team
“This acquisition creates a unique position for BioMar as we secure access to further R&D capacity in Norway. At the same time, we will welcome a team of very competent research staff into our organisation, with an already established collaboration,” said BioMar chief executive Carlos Diaz.
Denmark-headquartered BioMar - which has 17 production facilities globally including a salmon feed mill at Grangemouth in Scotland and salmon feed factories in Tasmania and Chile - said LetSea offers a comprehensive range of controlled trials and projects with infrastructure ranging from 5x5m tanks to full-scale sea cages.
Located on the Helgeland coast, LetSea’s facilities in Dønna allow for detailed assessments in controlled cages, providing an ideal environment for testing feed and technology across the entire production cycle.
“LetSea’s unique facilities and expertise complement our existing research efforts, enhancing our ability to innovate and test new solutions under real-life seawater conditions,” said BioMar global R&D director Simon Wadsworth.
“Our long-standing collaboration has already delivered significant value to our customers, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.”
