Netherlands-based seafood supplier Zalmhuys has acquired a majority stake in BML Food Group, an importer and distributor of shrimp and frozen seafood products based in The Hague. The deal, reported by Yahoo Finance, is expected to lift Zalmhuys group annual revenue to approximately 600 million euros, or about $650 million.
BML was founded in 2007 and operates refrigerated warehouses in Lekkerkerk and Breda. The company imports shrimp and other frozen seafood and exports to more than 30 countries, supplying private-label products alongside its own Ben's Easy Kitchen brand to wholesalers, manufacturers, and retailers.
Zalmhuys managing director Harm ten Napel described the acquisition as part of a broader strategy to become a one-stop seafood supplier. "We have developed from a salmon business into a broad supplier of fish and seafood," ten Napel said. "Our aim is to offer customers as much of their seafood range as possible from within one group: 'all your seafood in one place'. BML's expertise in shrimp fits well with that approach."
Ten Napel also addressed BML's operating structure going forward. "Its strength lies in its independent entrepreneurship, which is why BML will continue to operate under the leadership of Ben and Graeme and retain its own position in the market," he said.
BML shareholders Ben Slothouber and Graeme Kerr will remain as directors and retain a minority stake in the business. Slothouber said the transition came after discussions that built mutual confidence. "Our discussions with Zalmhuys quickly established mutual trust and respect. They had clearly taken the time to understand our company and the market in which we operate. That combination gave me confidence that BML will be in good hands," Slothouber said.
Slothouber plans to gradually reduce his involvement in the business over time.
Zalmhuys is headquartered in Urk, in the north of the Netherlands, and employs approximately 600 people. Its portfolio of businesses includes Het Urker Zalmhuys, Ocean Fish, Anova Seafood, and Baarssen Fish Processing. The BML acquisition adds shrimp distribution and an international supplier network to that group, extending Zalmhuys's reach across the European seafood market.
