Iceland’s Competition Authority one again has its eye on the market position held by seafood giant Samherji, in relation to linked companies, notably Síldarvinnslan.
East coast fishing and processing company Síldarvinnslan, part-owned by Samherji, is in the process of acquiring a 50% share of Samherji’s sales arm Ice Fresh Seafood, which will subsequently handle sales of products for both companies.
The Competition Authority’s concern is the very close relationship between Samherji and Síldarvinnslan, and what the effects could be the effect of a these two operators with close links having joint control of Ice Fresh Seafood.
In 2021 and 2022 the Competition Authority examined the links between Samherji, Síldarvinnslan and fishing company Gjögur, and looked into indications that the level of control over Síldarvinnslan could exceed what had been declared in notifications to the Authority.
Now the question has again arisen, and there is concern that under this latest acquisition, these companies could be seen as being in reality a single entity and not independent entities in a competitive environment.
