SalMar to Acquire Måsøval in NOK 4.8B Deal, Sending Shares Soaring

Shares of Norwegian salmon farmer Måsøval AS surged over 14% after SalMar ASA, one of the world's largest salmon producers, announced a landmark agreement to acquire a controlling stake in the company. The deal, disclosed after the previous day's market close, sent Måsøval's stock trading toward the offer price.

Details of the Transaction

SalMar entered into an agreement with Heimstø AS to purchase its approximately 70% stake in Måsøval at a price of NOK 39.50 per share. This implies an aggregate consideration of approximately NOK 3.4 billion for the stake and values the entire share capital of Måsøval at roughly NOK 4.84 billion.

The acquisition price represents a significant premium of approximately 71.7% to Måsøval’s closing share price on March 25, 2026, which was the last trading day before Heimstø announced it was initiating a strategic review of its ownership.

Market Impact and Shareholder Guarantee

The announcement catalyzed a sharp rally in Måsøval's stock, which jumped 14.2% to trade at NOK 37.8. A key factor driving the share price toward the offer level is an exit guarantee for minority investors. SalMar confirmed that following the transaction's completion, it will ensure that minority shareholders have the opportunity to sell their shares at the same NOK 39.50 price.

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This move provides a firm price anchor for the stock and removes uncertainty for smaller investors. The acquisition concludes a strategic review process that Måsøval's majority owner had telegraphed to the market for several months.

Strategic Rationale

SalMar described the acquisition as an "exciting industrial opportunity" that will strengthen its position in its home region of Central Norway. The company noted that Måsøval is a "historically well-established and well-managed company" whose operations are a strong fit with SalMar's existing activities, with both companies sharing roots on the island of Frøya.

The deal comes just days after Måsøval reinforced its operational strength by raising its full-year 2026 harvest guidance to 29,000 tonnes gutted weight, up from 28,000 tonnes, citing strong production and good fish health in the second quarter.