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• Umios Moves to Acquire High Liner Foods in $573 Million Deal

Umios Moves to Acquire High Liner Foods in $573 Million Deal

The acquisition aims to connect seafood sourcing with processing, established brands, and distribution to strengthen Umios’ position in North America

Tokyo, Japan, 29 October 2026 - Umios Corporation has agreed to acquire High Liner Foods Incorporated in a deal valued at approximately C$804 million, or US$573 million. The proposed acquisition will bring together Umios’ seafood sourcing capabilities and High Liner Foods’ processing operations, established brands, and distribution network across North America.

Under the agreement, Umios will acquire all outstanding shares of High Liner Foods for C$27 per share in cash. The transaction remains subject to shareholder approval, regulatory clearances, and other customary closing conditions. The companies expect the deal to be completed in January 2027.

For Umios, the acquisition represents an important step in expanding its presence in the North American seafood market. The company operates across Japan, North America, Europe, and Asia Oceania, with business interests spanning seafood, marine resources, and processed protein products. Its North American operations have access to key seafood resources in the Bering Sea, including Alaska pollock, cod, and crab.

High Liner Foods brings a different set of strengths to the proposed combination. Founded in 1899 in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, the company has developed into a major supplier of frozen seafood products to retail and foodservice customers in the United States and Canada. Its operations include seafood processing, product development, and distribution, supported by a portfolio of established consumer brands.

The acquisition is expected to connect these complementary capabilities more closely. Umios will gain greater access to downstream markets, while High Liner Foods will benefit from Umios’ sourcing network, marine resource access, and investment capacity. Together, the companies aim to develop seafood products that meet changing customer needs and create more value across the supply chain.

The agreement also reflects a wider trend in the food industry, where companies are looking to strengthen supply chains by bringing sourcing, processing, and distribution closer together. A more integrated business model can help companies improve procurement planning, coordinate production, expand product offerings, and respond more effectively to shifts in consumer demand.

Umios has stated that High Liner Foods will serve as the core platform for its North American business following the transaction. The company has also committed to maintaining High Liner Foods’ headquarters in Nova Scotia and continuing to invest in its processing capabilities, innovation, employees, and growth initiatives. High Liner Foods is expected to continue operating independently until the transaction closes.

For High Liner Foods, joining a global seafood company could provide additional resources to expand its operations and strengthen its position in the frozen seafood market. Its established relationships with retail and foodservice customers will also give Umios a stronger foundation for reaching consumers across North America.

The deal is subject to the required approvals, and its completion is not yet guaranteed. If finalized as planned, the acquisition will mark a significant development in the seafood industry, combining global sourcing capabilities with established food brands and processing expertise.