Omega Protein acquires Bioriginal for US$70.5 million

On September 8, 2014, Omega Protein Corporation (Omega Protein) announced the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of Bioriginal Food & Science Corp. (Bioriginal), a Saskatchewan headquartered leading supplier of plant and marine based specialty oils and essential fatty acids to the food and nutraceutical industries across North America, Europe and Asia. The total purchase price was approximately US$70.5 million, plus $0.7 million for estimated working capital adjustments. The selling shareholders comprised both the existing senior management team of Bioriginal, each of whom will remain with the company, and a Canadian private equity firm. The acquisition consideration was cash, restricted shares of Omega Protein issued to Bioriginal’s management shareholders and the assumption of indebtedness. Omega Protein (NYSE: OME) is a NYSE-listed nutritional product company and a leading integrated producer of omega-3 fish oil and specialty protein products. The acquisition of Bioriginal significantly strengthens Omega Protein’s mission to help people lead healthier lives through better nutrition, diversifies its product offerings and expands its global reach. Fasken Martineau advised Omega Protein with a team that included Stephen Erlichman, Aaron Atkinson, Susan Newell, Aidan Hyde (M&A), Mitchell Thaw (Tax), Alix Herber (Labour and Employment), Peggy McCallum (Pension and Benefits), Andrea Centa (Real Estate), Kevin Holbeche (Intellectual Property), Huy Do (Antitrust/Competition) and Tim Squire (Life Sciences Regulatory).