Vaccination's mega-merger
Ronnie Soutar, veterinarian and Managing Director of Aqualife, explained to Fish Farming Expert that the two firms combined currently vaccinate about 25% of the Norwegian aquaculture market and about 70% of the market in Scotland and Ireland – providing 11 full time equivalent jobs, and as many as 95 field staff at peak times.
The merger will see Kathy Taylor, Salmovac’s owner, become a member of Aqualife’s management team, in a staged integration process. From summer 2016, the merged companies will operate under the Aqualife brand.
Ronnie said: “I have known Kathy Taylor for longer than either of us probably want to consider. Aqualife has historically focused on the Norwegian market – it’s big and we have very good relationships with long-term customers there. When we decided that we should really be more involved in Scotland (as part of a wider diversification strategy), it made sense to talk to Salmovac. Given that our companies share very similar values, it is much better to work together than to compete. However, we have no wish to create a monopoly; our customers still have a choice and that’s healthy. We aim to retain and win customers by cost-effectively meeting their need for high-quality vaccination of whatever type suits their farming operation.”
“Apart from buying assets (vaccination equipment, vehicles, etc) the principal part of the deal was getting Kathy and Barry, Salmovac’s Operations Manager, into our management team – experience like theirs will be well-worth every penny!”
Both companies are based in Scotland and the move will see the Scottish industry lead the field in delivering salmon vaccinations, which Ronnie explains by the consistency that the two companies have provided over the years.
“It’s not too hard to put together a team of people to stick needles into fish! What is difficult is doing this to tight standards, consistently, on any farm anywhere, when all the fish in the country are ready to be vaccinated at once. Scottish companies have led the way in establishing and delivering reliable, auditable vaccination. We have also benefited from having excellent field staff – the folk who are literally at the sharp-end,” he said.
