All World

Small Ship passes under Thai flag

Small Ship, the Breton brand founded in 1932, came under Thai flag. Thai Union Frozen Products, the world number three canned fish, the fund has bought Trilantic Capital (formerly Lehman Brothers), who had acquired in 2006 for 425 million euros. The Asian group, listed on the Stock Exchange of Bangkok, has spent 680 million euros to afford the parent company of Small Ship, MW Brands, which last year produced 448 million euros in turnover and 82 million euros in operating profit. A profit doubled in three years for steady sales.

This is a new shift for Small Vessels, remained independent for fifty years before moving in 1981 into the bosom of Heinz ketchup maker. The leader of canned tuna in France may well grow out of France."Francophone markets as North Africa could generate interest," says David Sankowicz, Secretary General of MW Brands. With five production sites (Thailand, Vietnam, United States, Indonesia), the Thai group, offers significant opportunities to MW Brands. Europe will represent over one third of sales of Thai Union Frozen Products, the opportunity to double the number of vessels in its fleet. The group may sell in France for other types of canned fish.