How do I prepare and sell my seafood or fish processing plant?

Selling a plant takes more preparation than selling a shop. A buyer is not only taking on a building and equipment. They are taking on your harvesters, your customers and your crew. The more clearly you can show that those relationships will carry over, the easier the conversation becomes. Preparation often begins well before anyone is told about a sale.

Timing around the season

Buyers want to see the plant working. Think about when the best time is to show it, and when a sale could close without disrupting the season. A handover in the middle of the busiest weeks is hard on everyone. Talk with your accountant and lawyer early about timing, because it can affect how the sale is structured.

Proving the relationships transfer

Write down where your product comes from, who delivers it and how long each relationship has lasted. Do the same for your customers. If there are written arrangements, collect them. If there are not, expect buyers to ask how they can be sure the harvesters and buyers will stay. Some sellers introduce key people to a serious buyer once an NDA is in place; ask your lawyer.

Equipment, records and crew

Pull together maintenance records, equipment lists and any known repair needs. Sort out what you own and what is leased. Decide when to tell your seasonal crew. Too early and you may lose people. Too late and they may feel shut out. Many owners wait until a buyer is committed, then tell the crew themselves.

Finding buyers and brokers

The likeliest buyers are often other processors, harvesters who want to move up the chain, and people already in the industry. A broker can reach beyond that circle. Ask any broker whom they act for and how they are paid. Our page on selling a fish market or seafood store covers the retail case.