Loch Fyne Oysters acquires Simson's Fisheries

Release date: 18 Jun 2008

Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd, an employee owned company, has acquired Simson’s Fisheries, in Coulsdon, Surrey as part of its strategy of expanding the reach of the Loch Fyne brand.

Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd, an employee owned company, has acquired Simson’s Fisheries, in Coulsdon, Surrey as part of its strategy of expanding the reach of the Loch Fyne brand.    The acquisition, funded through a finance package from Bank of Scotland Corporate, will result in access to a wider range of sustainable fish species and provide an increased level of service for customers.

The Simson’s brand has been built on servicing southern based foodservice and retail customers for over 30 years and has an excellent reputation as one of the UK’s premier suppliers of prime quality fish and shellfish.

Commenting on the acquisition, Bruce Davidson, managing director of Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd, said:   “Simson’s is the perfect fit for Loch Fyne Oysters and shares our belief in providing customers with high quality sustainably sourced seafood and a high level of service.

“One of the key factors in Loch Fyne Oysters’ interest in Simson’s is its highly skilled and dedicated team, customer focused service ethic and its convenient location close to the M25.

“The acquisition will ensure that Loch Fyne Oysters is able to reach a wider customer base, particularly in the south, with a more comprehensive range of fish and seafood, which will complement our existing quality Scottish seafood. We will also be better placed to service our major partner, Loch Fyne Restaurants, as their success and growth continues.”     

The acquisition will provide a substantial, reliable and profitable route to market for a range of the highest quality seafood products under the Loch Fyne brand.

In addition, based 20 minutes from the M25 and other major transport networks, the acquisition will help reduce the environmental impact of Loch Fyne Oysters’ activities.   The reduced carbon emissions from a simplified supply chain and the opportunity to reduce packaging by developing re-usable delivery solutions will provide significant opportunities for both companies to reduce the environmental effects of their routes to market.

Tim Lucas and Richard Organ will continue to manage Simson’s business in the south, reporting into Bruce Davidson, Managing Director of Loch Fyne Oysters.

Ends
For media information or further hi-res images or to arrange an interview with Bruce Davidson, managing director of Loch Fyne Oysters, please contact:

Kerry Teakle
Profile Plus
0131 554 6111
kt@profileplus.co.uk