Nissui strengthens position in Europe with acquisition of Maxima Seafood

Japan-listed Nissui Corporation, which operates in the fishing and seafood sector, has acquired 60% of the shares of IJmuiden-based seafood company Maxima Seafood. With the group, Nissui Corporation strikes another blow in the European seafood business. Marketlink has acquired Maxima Seafood assisted in the sale.

Maxima Seafood processes and sells local fresh fish and Japanese scallops, among other seafood products. The company employs 32 full-time employees and supplies 24 countries with total sales of about 50 million euros.  

With the acquisition of Maxima Seafood enlarged Nissui Corporation further processing and sales opportunities for fresh seafood in Europe. "It is our expectation that we will realize synergies through our group's network to distribute products to various European locations. In addition, we are actively exporting Japanese seafood products such as scallops and yellowtail Buri," said representative Director and President Shingo Hamada of Nissui Corporation.

Nissui Corporation operates worldwide in the capture, processing and marketing of seafood products. It is also involved in the production and sale of feed for the aquaculture sector, as well as the development of functional food and pharmaceutical products from marine resources. Nissui Corporation previously expanded the group's European seafood business with acquisitions in the United Kingdom (purchase of Flatfish 2019) and Denmark (investment in Danish Salmon in 2020 and fish processing company Dengso). By 2022, Nissui accounted for sales of more than 5 billion euros.

"In Europe, the growing focus on health and the environment has led to increased demand for seafood products," continued Shingo Hamada. "With this series of investments, Nissui Group aims to strengthen our supply chain and enhance our ability to provide solutions to customers."

Martijn Spilt and Martin Riemer of Maxima Seafood will continue to manage the company. Spilt: "In a dynamic market, in which changes are taking place at a rapid pace, it is essential to change course and respond proactively to future developments. With an eye on where we want to be in five years, now is the time to take the first steps. The idea may seem simple - we just need fish through the tent - but it represents a deeper meaning in our approach. At a time when the supply of fish from the North Sea is dwindling, our job is to identify and exploit alternative sources."

"This vision is even more powerfully supported by the long-term strategy of our Japanese parent company, which fits seamlessly with our own ideas. Creating value from board to plate is not just an aspiration, but a necessity that more and more customers are demanding. Customers not only demand high-quality products, but also demand full assurance of the entire chain."

Riemer adds, "What sets us apart is the pooling of knowledge within our group. This collective expertise has the potential to significantly strengthen our position in the market. By working together and benefiting from each other's know-how, we can meet the challenges of the rapidly changing market and strengthen our position in the market. It is not just a matter of anticipating the future; it is the actual realization of a sustainable and successful future for our company."

Takeover advisor Jelle Rutgers of Market Link: "In Nissui we found the partner that met all our criteria. The cooperation was pleasant, with short lines of communication and a pragmatic approach. As a result, we not only achieved the initial objectives, but also laid a solid foundation for future success. The seamless coordination between the parties involved resulted in an efficient deal. It serves the interests of the shareholders and strengthens Maxima Seafood's position in a competitive market."