Cooke Inc. Completes Acquisition of Peruvian Fishing Giant Copeinca

Copeinca, fábrica harina y aceite de pescado en Perú

Cooke Inc., the Canadian family-run firm known for its extensive activities in the fishing and aquaculture sectors, has officially concluded the acquisition of Corporación Pesquera Inca S.A.C. (Copeinca), Peru’s leading fishing company. This strategic manoeuvre, completed on 26 November 2024, signifies a major milestone in Cooke’s ambitious strategy to broaden its influence in the global marine ingredients market.

Earlier in November, Cooke announced the commencement of this acquisition through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Copeinca Canada Inc., which signed a definitive share purchase agreement with PF Cayman New Holdco Limited, the seller. This arrangement allowed Cooke to indirectly acquire all the outstanding shares of Copeinca, incorporating it into its expanding portfolio.

Established in 1994, Copeinca has emerged as a key player in processing anchoveta in Peru and is acknowledged as one of the foremost producers and exporters of fishmeal and fish oil worldwide. With a workforce of 2,770 and managing a fleet of 45 vessels along with 8 processing plants, Copeinca commands a substantial 15.9% of Peru’s national catch, positioning it as a crucial entity in the marine sector.

This acquisition forms part of Cooke’s wider strategy to diversify its operations across various regions and species, thus contributing to global food security. Glenn Cooke, CEO of Cooke Inc., expressed his excitement about the merger, noting, “Copeinca will play a significant role in advancing Cooke’s position as a leader in enhancing global food security.”

Cooke, which started in 1985 as a small aquaculture venture in New Brunswick, Canada, has evolved into a leading global seafood enterprise with over 15,000 staff across 15 countries. The integration of Copeinca not only enhances Cooke’s production capacities but also reaffirms its commitment to responsibly managing the oceans and fostering stronger communities.

The terms of the transaction remain confidential, but the merger of Copeinca into the Cooke group of companies has been positively received, heralding a promising future for the enlarged business in the international seafood industry.