Australia’s Raptis Seafood seeks investment

AUSTRALIA – Raptis Seafood, a privately owned fish and seafood enterprise based in Australia, is actively pursuing investment opportunities to enhance its operations. 

The company has engaged the advisory firm Kidder Williams to assist in attracting potential investors.

The move to seek external funding was initially reported by The Australian Financial Review. 

According to David Williams, managing director at Kidder Williams, Raptis Seafood is receptive to both majority and minority investment offers, depending on the strategic value and rationale that investors can provide.

With a diverse product line that features brands such as Ocean Port, Seaport, and Agrios, Raptis Seafood aims to expand its offerings and extend its market presence, as indicated by Mr. Williams.

Established in 1962 and located in Queensland, Raptis Seafood operates as a vertically integrated business, managing 19 vessels and sourcing seafood from four Australian fisheries.

In recent years, the Australian seafood industry has witnessed significant consolidation, with two prominent companies acquired by foreign investors. 

In 2022, the Tassal Group, an Australian seafood firm, was purchased by Canada-based Cooke for AUD 1.5 billion (US$1B). 

Tassal is recognized for its annual harvest of 40,000 tonnes of Atlantic salmon across five marine farming zones, complemented by four land-based hatcheries and processing facilities throughout Tasmania and Queensland. 

The company also cultivates 5,500 tonnes of Australian black tiger prawns from multiple farms and hatcheries.

The previous year, Brazilian meat giant JBS acquired the Australian seafood processor Huon Aquaculture for AUD 425 million (approximately US$ 313.5 million). 

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