Contract Win

RNS Reach

7 March 2017

Benchmark Holdings plc("Benchmark" or the "Company")

Contract win for Benchmark

Benchmark announces today that it has signed a long-term agreement with SalMar ASA ("SalMar") to provide genetics, health and knowledge services to the company. The full suite of services the Company is providing illustrates Benchmark's leading position in the market, as well as its ability to offer a wide spread of products and solutions across the salmon's life cycle. SalMar is one of world's leading salmon producers.

Benchmark will, through it's subsidiary SalmoBreed AS, form a 50/50 joint venture for the production of SalMar's salmon strain, Rauma. This joint venture to be called 'SalMar Genetic AS', will be formed by a demerger of SalMar's salmon production facility in Reistad, Norway. Benchmark will take full responsibility for managing the breeding programme through its subsidiary Akvaforsk Genetics Center AS.

The agreement also includes sales of eggs from Benchmark's land based sites in Iceland and once commissioned from its Salten site in Norway. The Benchmark group will also provide fish health services, diagnostics, and health products.

Malcolm Pye, CEO of Benchmark, said;

"We are delighted to sign an agreement with such a blue-chip partner in the salmon market. It is testament to our customers' recognition of the benefits of our growing, integrated package of products and services, as well as our ability to enhance value for producers and contribute towards the overall sustainability of the aquaculture industry."

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors:

Benchmark challenges the status quo in aquaculture, agriculture and animal healthcare.

Since 2000, Benchmark has consistently worked to build a platform to serve its customers, helping farmers to take control of their biological environment through the combination of genetics, nutrition, health and knowledge services. Through its in-depth knowledge of animal biology Benchmark is able to tackle the key issues in the aquaculture, livestock and companion animal sectors.

The Company has proven distribution capabilities in high growth markets and operates internationally with R&D facilities, commercial farms, diagnostic laboratories, manufacturing sites, production facilities and commercial offices across 27 countries in five continents. As at 28 February 2017, Benchmark employed 900 people. 

For further information on Benchmark please visit www.benchmarkplc.com