"We had to act now because we believe a merger between Fjord Seafood and Cermaq would be more difficult to realize when the government has reduced its share in Cermaq," Midttun told IntraFish on Wednesday.
Norway elected a new government Sept. 12. The new government is widely expected to be less amenable to selling shares in state-owned companies than the current government.
Midttun said he was aware of Cermaq's hasty reply to the bid, which recommended the government reject it.
"We have sent an offer to the government, who owns the shares in Cermaq, not the board," Midttun said.
