Salmon company changes hands

Canadian family-owned company Cooke Aquaculture has announced the closing of its deal with Marine Harvest for the purchase of its fully owned subsidiary, Meridian Salmon Farms Limited.

Meridian has assets in Orkney, Shetland, and mainland Scotland.

“We believe this investment in the well-respected Scottish industry creates value for our entire group and strengthens our European foothold, which already includes Culmarex, our sea bass and bream farming company in Spain,” said CEO Glenn Cooke.

“The company is highly profitable and is a cost-effective producer, with a dedicated management team and employee base. We will build on their experience and expertise as we further strengthen and grow this company as Cooke Aquaculture Scotland.”

According to the aquaculture company, they will have nearly a billion dollars in annual sales and 2,500 employees in 2014.