Together with its other businesses Klaas Puul and Ruskim, the acquisition creates a $550m pan European shrimp focussed seafood company.
The combined businesses will operate six manufacturing sites across the UK, Europe and Morocco, as well as 10 distribution centres across the UK and Europe, and employing more than 4,000 members of staff.
Sykes said the deal would provide a ‘solid backdrop’ for future growth and allow for greater efficiencies in sourcing and an enhanced delivery platform for new and old customers.
‘Long admired’
Alan Dale, group chief executive at Sykes Seafood, said: “Big Prawn is a business we have long admired with its strong management team, efficient production facilities and an innovative approach to product development.
“This is supported by strong company brands and sourcing offering a broad, quality focussed and sustainable product range to its customers. Our focus will be to invest in increased capacity in the factory and build on its strong relationships with its customer and supplier base.”
The past three years have seen a string of acquisitions by Sykes Seafood, starting with Dutch seafood firm Klaas Pull – best known for its North Sea shrimp – in March 2020.
Acquisition history
It went on to acquire Telford-based Ruskim Seafoods in November 2021, extending its reach into the retail and foodservice sectors.
Family run Sykes Seafood has operated out of Liverpool since 1862, primarily supplying warm water shrimp to the UK catering industry.
In addition to its manufacturing and processing facility in Sefton, the producer has a site in Manchester’s New Smithfield Market – specialising in picking and dispatching products – and has a number of joint ventures internationally.
Meanwhile, in other acquisition news, the Competition & Markets Authority has concluded it would be unfair on retailers and shoppers for Cérélia to acquire Jus-Rol. Here's what you need to know.
