July 21, 2010

The Scottish Salmon Company buys West Minch Salmon

The Scottish Salmon Company announced on Tuesday (Jul 20) the acquisition of shares in leading independent salmon farming company West Minch Salmon Limited for an undisclosed sum.

Eleven sites in South Harris, North Uist and Benbecula and 65 jobs will be transferred over to The Scottish Salmon Company, formerly Lighthouse Caledonia, per the deal.

Outer Hebrides, Scotland-based West Minch Salmon will keep on trading and the acquisition will be phased to permit an even transition of activities and assets.

"West Minch Salmon has a worldwide reputation for producing excellent quality salmon and this is an important deal for The Scottish Salmon Company as we continue to build the company on high environmental standards, taste, freshness and the provenance of our stock," noted Mike Corbett, CEO of The Scottish Salmon Company.

This process marks a major move forward for The Scottish Salmon Company, which has gone through a major restructuring in the past 18 months. The expanded operation strengthens the company's intent to develop a steady and sustainable on-year business in the rural communities of the Hebrides and develop the Hebridean Brand.

"This deal is a perfect fit for the two companies at this time of economic uncertainty," said Angus MacMillan, who will remain as managing director of West Minch Salmon. "This will allow investment opportunities in the Hebrides, increase employment opportunities at all levels of production, processing and management."

"The strategic aim of the company is to conduct as much of the business as possible on the Islands and expand the unique niche market profile that has been established over many years. This is a highly significant investment for the Hebrides, Scotland and the UK export market," he added.

Fully-integrated seafood firm The Scottish Salmon Company is a leading supplier of high-quality Scottish salmon. It is the largest independent salmon farmer in the country and produces about 20% of Scottish salmon, at more than 24,000 tonnes.

Its sites are located on the Hebrides and West Coast of Scotland with headquarters hosted in Edinburgh. The company currently employs over 200 employees.

West Minch Salmon was founded by MacMillan in 1985 and is known for its organic produce.