Thai Union Group announced Tuesday it will acquire a majority stake in Canadian lobster processor Les Pecheries de Chez Nous (Chez Nous) .

Thai Union, owner of brands such as Chicken of the Sea, John West and King Oscar, will take a majority stake in the business while Francois “Frankie” Benoit, the existing owner and CEO, will retain a minority share.

Chez Nous recorded sales of approximately CAD 50 million (€34.7 million/$38.7 million) in 2015.

Based in New Brunswick, Canada, the company has direct relationships with fishermen in both Canada and Maine in the northeastern United States, a processing facility strategically located on the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and is investing in a live lobster holding facility.

Chez Nous employs a small full time office staff managing operations and accounting, and up to 200 seasonal workers during the lobster harvest.

The deal comes after Thai Union’s subsidiary Tri-Union Frozen Products, Inc, doing business as Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods, acquired Orion Seafood International in 2015, making it one of the largest sellers of North Atlantic lobster in the United States.

By acquiring Chez Nous, Thai Union secures an even stronger integration footprint in the North Atlantic lobster category.

The acquisition will give Thai Union Group companies enhanced traceability and quality control, and expanded product offerings into specialty grades and packs.

“Thai Union’s vertical integration has been a key to our division’s success in the shrimp, tuna, and pasteurized crab categories,” said Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods President and CEO Bryan Rosenberg.

“We are excited about the growth possibilities of a similar relationship in North Atlantic lobster. The partnership between Thai Union and Chez Nous will bring additional expertise and transparency to our customers.”

Chez Nous CEO Frankie Benoit said the new partnership with Thai Union “is an exciting next step for Les Pecheries de Chez Nous. We have recently expanded our facilities and look forward to further growing the business with the opportunities that Thai Union’s global network will provide.”

Benoit will remain as a partner with the company to drive Thai Union’s strategies for growth in this key category.

---

For more seafood news and updates, follow us on Facebook and Twitter or sign up for our daily newsletter.

News

Thai Union snaps up Canadian lobster processor