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THE Asian seafood company Thai Union Frozen Products has joined the list of contenders interested in buying the group which owns the iconic John West brand.
Thai Union Frozen Products (TUF), based in Bangkok, is one of the world's largest tuna processors and distributors and is thought to be keen to grow its business. John West is owned by MW Brands which is up for sale and its well known John West canned tuna and salmon products would fit neatly with its business. It would also give TUF the opportunity to break more into the European and UK markets where John West products are highly popular. TUF also owns a fishing fleet operating in the Far East.
TUF executives told The Bangkok Post that it was among several bidders, including a number of UK private equity firms, for the firm, which produces a variety of canned seafood including tuna, salmon, mackerel and sardines. TUF is conducting financial due diligence on the company and executives declined to comment further, citing a confidentiality agreement.
Along with John West, MW Brands, which is one of the largest seafood businesses in Europe, owns the Petit Navire of France , Hyacinthe Parmentier and Mareblue tuna brands. MW Brands was founded in 2006 when HJ Heinz sold its European Seafood Business. MW Brands sells its products mainly in the UK, France, Italy, Ireland and the Netherlands. It focuses on tuna and added value tuna, and also sells an inclusive range of salmon, mackerel, sardines, seafood spreads and other seafood products.
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