Samherji has completed the purchase of a 49% stake in the Norwegian company Berg LipidTech AS, securing a near-half ownership in the fish oil producer based in Ålesund. The deal is finalised and signed, and also gives Samherji an option to buy the remaining shares at a later stage.
Berg LipidTech produces fish oils for the global wholesale market, mainly from cod liver and salmon. The investment is aimed at expanding the processing of by-products from Samherji’s own operations and strengthening Berg LipidTech’s access to stable, high-quality raw materials.
According to Samherji, the move takes the Icelandic group further up the seafood value chain.
Push further up the value chain
Samherji says the partnership will support greater value creation from raw materials already generated within its fishing operations. The company points to rising global demand for high-omega-3 fish oil products as a key driver of the investment.
Family firm stays in control
Berg LipidTech is a family-owned company founded in 1993 and based in Ålesund, a hub for Norway’s seafood industry. The firm produces oils from species including cod, saithe, salmon, tuna and anchovy, and supplies manufacturers in the food supplement market.
Existing owners and key managers will remain in place, and the company’s facilities will not change location.
Board role for Samherji
As a minority owner, Samherji will appoint board members and support management under a joint business plan focused on growth and development.
Berg LipidTech’s chief executive says access to raw materials through Samherji will improve vertical integration and open new expansion opportunities.