Seafood Connection Holding B.V. (SFCH), a subsidiary of Maruha Nichiro Corporation, has completed the acquisition of a 70% majority stake in Van der Lee Seafish B.V. (VDLEE). This strategic step marks a new phase in the longstanding relationship between the two companies, which has always been built on mutual trust. “The trusted partnership has always been there, and this transaction is a formal confirmation of that,” says Gijs van der Lee.
The proposed acquisition aligns seamlessly with the long-term vision of Seafood Connection and its parent company Maruha Nichiro: strengthening an integrated value chain for sustainable food products, with a strong focus on both seafood and non-seafood categories.
Midterm plans
This acquisition fits seamlessly within the Maruha Nichiro Midterm Management Plan 2025–2027, which identifies Europe as a core growth region and emphasizes sustainable growth through vertical integration and international expansion. For SFCH, this transaction represents an acceleration of its own strategy, combining organic growth with targeted M&A.
"It's true Seafood Connection is always eager to expand our product range and sales network for frozen seafood," said Jan Kaptijn, CEO of SFCH. "Next to our organic growth, M&A is an important way to speed up our growth into the European market. Also from Maruha Nichiro's side – confirmed in their latest mid-term plan 2025–2027 – there is a strong interest in expanding their overseas network, whereby Europe is one of their focus areas."
End-to-end value chain
Van der Lee Seafish brings modern production facilities and in-depth expertise in Atlantic fish species and value-added products, such as breaded and pre-fried fish and plant-based alternatives. Its value-added processing capabilities and Atlantic sourcing are highly complementary to SFCH’s product range offering and perfectly complements Seafood Connection’s growth ambitions in the convenience segment. “Given our strong position in the European retail market, this is a welcome extension to our assortment,” says Klaas Hakvoort, COO of SFCH.
Worldwide, Maruha Nichiro is investing in building an end-to-end value chain – from harvest and processing to distribution and brand development – an approach that is central to this transaction as well. Maruha Nichiro, holding approximately 27% of the total U.S. Pollack quota, recognizes Van der Lee as a strategic processing partner that adds significant value within the supply chain.
Strategic Synergies
The integration of Van der Lee Seafish into the Seafood Connection Group is expected to deliver substantial strategic synergies that go well beyond simple volume gains. Already with Seacon Production in the group, complementary production capacities allow for specialization and streamlined processing. VDLEE’s portfolio of value-added Atlantic fish products, including breaded, battered, and natural fillets, provides a powerful extension to SFCH’s existing range.
The acquisition enables VDLEE’s specialty products to be introduced into SFCH’s robust European local presence network, together in wholesale as in Retail, significantly expanding their reach and visibility. At the same time, Seafood Connection strengthens its position in the foodservice segment through the partnership with VDLEE – a segment in which SFCH has traditionally had limited presence. This mutual channel expansion allows both companies to serve a wider audience and optimize their sales mix.
Looking ahead
Both companies will continue to operate under their existing brand names and maintain their current teams and structures. “We will keep doing what we do best: delivering top-quality products every day with our dedicated team,” said Willem van der Lee.
The integration creates room for joint growth and improved margins, through increased focus and economies of scale in production, procurement, and sales. Together, the companies are laying a strong foundation for future-proof growth in Europe and beyond – in line with the evolving demand for sustainable, high-quality, and flexible food solutions.
Contact information:
Seafood Connection Holding B.V.
info@seafoodconnection.nl
www.seafoodconnection.nl
Van der Lee Seafish B.V.
info@vanderleeseafish.nl
www.vanderleeseafish.nl