On December 2, 2024, in a significant development within the seafood industry, Antarctica Advisors International Corp, an esteemed advisory firm focusing on mergers and acquisitions in the seafood sector, played a pivotal role as a co-advisor in the successful sale of Corporacion Pesquera Inca S.A.C., commonly known as Copeinca, to Cooke Inc. This acquisition marks a major milestone in the fishmeal and fish oil production landscape.
Copeinca has emerged as one of the largest fishmeal and fish oil producers worldwide, boasting a formidable workforce of 2,770 employees. The company operates an impressive fleet of 45 vessels and oversees eight processing plants, sustaining an annual production rate of 200,000 metric tons of fishmeal and 23,000 metric tons of fish oil for export purposes. Taking on the mantle of the largest fishing company in Peru, Copeinca has been crucial in meeting global demand for fishmeal, a vital ingredient in aquaculture and animal feed.
In remarks regarding the transaction, Jose Miguel Tirado, CEO of Copeinca, commended Antarctica's expertise stating, "We retained the Antarctica team for their unique knowledge of this sector and their global reach to decision-makers in this industry." The acknowledgment from Tirado underlines Antarctica’s profound understanding of market dynamics in the seafood sector, further enhancing its reputation as a go-to partner for strategic advisory services in the industry.
Equally enthusiastic, Glenn Cooke, CEO of Cooke, noted, "Once again the Seafood Team at Antarctica reached out to us with the right acquisition opportunity." Cooke emphasized the vital role of Antarctica in aligning with Cooke’s growth strategy, showcasing their adeptness in understanding industry trends and dynamics, which ultimately helped streamline the acquisition process.
Ignacio Kleiman, Managing Partner of Antarctica Advisors, shed light on their unique approach in securing client interests. He stated, "Antarctica's bankers make it their business to understand the different Seafood Industry players' goals and strategies by maintaining regular dialogue with their decision makers." His comments reaffirm the commitment of Antarctica Advisors to facilitate mutually beneficial outcomes in such high-profile transactions.
With this acquisition, Cooke has solidified its position as the single largest fishmeal and fish oil producer worldwide, expanding its footprint significantly in the global seafood marketplace. The deal not only enhances Cooke's production capabilities but also emphasizes the ongoing consolidation trend within the seafood sector, where large-scale companies seek to absorb smaller but influential players.
Operating as a leading independent investment bank, Antarctica Advisors specializes in M&A advisory services tailored exclusively for corporate clients in the global seafood industry. The firm’s dedicated team offers extensive expertise across the value chain of the seafood industry, supported by a proven track record of executing successful transactions that cater to the unique demands of its clients.
It is noteworthy that Antarctica Advisors International primarily services clients outside the U.S., while its U.S. affiliate, Antarctica Advisors LLC, caters to domestic clients. This strategic division allows them to maintain a singular focus and operational efficiency within their respective markets, reinforcing their commitment to deliver tailored solutions in M&A advisory.
For further information, you can visit Antarctica Advisors' website at
www.AntarcticaINTL.com. This acquisition illustrates the transformative changes underway in the seafood industry, highlighting the strategic movements of key players as they adapt to shifting market demands and competitive challenges.