Benchmark Holdings acquires remaining 10.5 percent in Iceland-based subsidiary

Sheffield, U.K.-based Benchmark Holdings has acquired the remaining 10.52 percent minority interest in its subsidiary Benchmark Genetics Iceland, the company announced. 

The company acquired a 89.48 percent interest in what was then called Stofnfiskur in December 2014. Benchmark Holdings then rebranded Stofnfiskur to Benchmark Genetics Iceland and merged it with its salmon genetics business in Norway. 

“Since the acquisition, the business has grown substantially, benefitting from Benchmark's leading market position, investment, and knowledge transfer within the group,” the company said. 

Benchmark Genetics Iceland was enhanced by the construction of a new incubation center, and the subsidiary has become “core” to the company’s ability to supply biosecure salmon eggs. According to Benchmark Holdings, it now represents 50 percent of the group’s salmon egg capacity.

"Benchmark's genetics operations in Iceland have a 200 million egg[-production] capacity and are core to our ability to supply highly biosecure salmon eggs year round to customers around the world,” Benchmark Holdings CEO Trond Williksen said in a release. “The acquisition of the remaining minority interest is a natural step in delivering shareholder value through full ownership of the success of our genetics business."  

Photo courtesy of Benchmark Holdings