An agreement has been reached for Comeau Seafoods to be acquired by Mersey Seafoods.
The transaction is subject to standard closing conditions and pending regulatory approvals.
“This was a thoughtful decision made with the company’s long-term future in mind,” Després said. “Mersey Seafoods is a Nova Scotia company that understand our industry, shares our values and is committed to maintaining a strong local presence,” said Noël Després, president and CEO of Comeau’s Seafoods, in a media release.
No immediate changes to day-to-day operations are planned. Comeau Seafoods will continue to operate from locations across southwestern Nova Scotia and the Comeau name will remain as part of the business.
“We have tremendous respect for what has been built at Comeau’s over generations,” said Mike Murphy, president of Mersey Seafoods.
“This agreement brings together two Nova Scotia seafood companies with a long-standing relationship and shared values. We are committed to supporting strong operations from Saulnierville, and to carrying forward the Comeau name and legacy.”
Founded 80 years ago, Comeau Seafood has deep roots in the Acadian community of Clare and has long been a major employer and contributor to the seafood industry in southwestern Nova Scotia.
“Comeau’s has always been guided by a strong sense of responsibility to its employees, customers and community and this decision reflects careful long-term planning for the company’s future while keeping it rooted in Saulnierville. The strength of Comeau’s Seafoods has always come from its people and that remains true as we move into the next chapter,” reads the press release.
Comeau’s commercial fishing fleet comprises of three herring purse seiners and the state-of-the-art scallop-harvesting and freezer trawler, the Lady Comeau III.
On shore, Comeau operates multiple processing facilities in Saulnierville, Clare and East Pubnico for processing herring, scallops and value-added products, as well as a specialized smokehouse and a herring meal plant.
Mersey owns a fleet of three large fishing vessels harvesting offshore scallops and groundfish, along with a modern scallop processing facility in Liverpool and a cold storage facility in Country Harbour.
“In February 2024, coinciding with Mersey’s 60th year in business, Mersey announced the historic purchase of offshore scallop quota. This significant investment in our business solidified Mersey as a major player in the offshore scallop business, further reinforcing our commitment to our teammates, our communities and the strength of the fishery for the long term,” said the company on their website.
