CoombeFish buys Fleetwood seafood trio out of administration

FRP Advisory partners Martyn Rickels and Anthony Collier were appointed administrators of A.M. Seafoods Limited, Kildavanan Seafoods Limited and B&M Fishing LLP on 5 November, launching an accelerated process to stabilise one of Fleetwood’s most established seafood groups after a period of rising input costs and weak catch volumes tied to challenging weather conditions. The three businesses, which handle whelk, crab and scallop processing and operate boats alongside onshore facilities, generate roughly 17 million pounds in annual revenue and employ 78 people.

The administrators moved quickly to run a focussed marketing exercise that culminated in a going concern sale to CoombeFish Group and sibling company Peninsula Seafoods Ltd. The transaction transferred stock, plant, machinery, vessels and ongoing trade to the Devon based buyer, preserving the full workforce and ensuring continuity of supply for longstanding customers in the UK seafood chain. The sale also brought immediate operational stability to a cluster of companies that had been hit by volatile volumes and escalating expenses across energy, logistics and maintenance.

CoombeFish said the acquisition fits its expansion plans and strengthens its integrated supply model from catch through processing. The new owners have indicated they will retain the Fleetwood teams and invest in the combined platform to support growth in both domestic and export markets. FRP was advised by JMW Solicitors, while CoombeFish drew on a multi firm advisory bench including Spencer West, Kitson Boyce, TJD Law, Andrew Jackson and Isca Ventures.