Situation

Clipper Group, Ltd. (“Clipper”) and Blue North Fisheries, Inc. (“Blue North”) are the two largest catcher-processors of Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea freezer longline sector.

After decades of successfully operating these two companies individually, the owners of Blue North and Clipper (the “Companies”) elected to pursue a merger that would increase operating efficiencies through vessel and crew optimization, thereby increasing joint profitability. Subsequently, the owners elected to sell a majority stake to a buyer that could continue the growth and success of the Companies for the foreseeable future.

ZS Role

Blue North and Clipper engaged Zachary Scott to represent the Companies in the merger combination and in their search for a partner to acquire a majority interest in the combined business.

Results

Zachary Scott assisted with the merger and organized a competitive sale process that attracted a range of bids from industry participants, qualified buyers, and Native Alaskan groups. A majority interest was ultimately acquired by Bristol Bay Native Corporation (“BBNC”), an Alaska Native Corporation, which will operate the new merged entity as “Bristol Bay Alaska Seafoods, LLC”. The acquisition allows BBNC to directly participate in a key Alaska fishery, an important component of its shareholders’ local economy.