Ocea strengthens position as international aquaculture supplier

The Norwegian company Ocea acquires the Chilean supplier Aquastar, and thus strengthens its position and product portfolio in Norway, Chile and the world-wide market for aquaculture solutions. 
- We are pursuing our goal of becoming a leading, complete supplier of aquaculture solutions, equipment  and turn-key sites to the fishfarming industry. Through acquiring Aquastar we have moved a lot closer to achieving that, says Ocea CEO Bjørn Arve Ofstad.

Ocea has grown considerably in Chile over the last couple of years, the acquisition of Aquastar following the acquirements of cage manufacture Prona, Mercatus Software Chile and Arena Chile.

Aquastar group employs about 160 people in Chile, and is an export-orientated company. 2008 turnover totalled in the region of USD 8 million. Aquastar offers solutions and technology for salmon, trout, tilapia, cobia – and a range of other species.

Aquastar complements the wide Ocea product and technology portfolio through adding submersible cameras, lights, recirculation systems, water treatment systems, air compressors, stunners, winches, ensilage technology and mortality extraction systems- in addition to other auxiliaries.

The take-over strengthens Ocea’s position as a powerhouse within equipment and technology to the fishfarming industry, and is instrumental in supplying complete turn-key products to the industry world-wide, including the ability to supply complete recirculation systems.

Aquastar owners - the brothers Ernesto and Francisco Aubel Mohr – are now becoming Ocea shareholders, and they strongly believe in the Ocea philosophy. -We have taken Aquastar a long way in Chile, and to a strong position in various export markets, says Ernesto Aubel – Aquastar managing director. “Teaming up with Ocea is the natural next step for us. It is an exciting way of making our mark in this ever evolving industry.” Ernesto and Francisco will continue to build the company, now as a part of Ocea.

For further information, please contact:
Bjørn Arve Ofstad, CEO Ocea, mobile: +47 99 55 07 80
Ernesto Aubel Mohr, General manager Aquastar, mobile: +56 99 821 81 89

www.aquastar.cl