Two family-owned mussel producers are placing their rivalry aside and merging into the single and largest mussel and oyster processor in the Netherlands.

The two companies Roem van Yerseke and Prins & Dingemanse will trade under the name Roem van Yerseke, the company announced.

"Where we used to be rivals, we achieve the opposite with our merger: It enables us to strengthen our market position in a unique way," Roem van Yerseke CEO Johan Lacor said.

The two companies specialize in cultivating, processing and distributing mussels, oysters and shrimps.