INAQ was established in 2000 with Frode Blakstad as the managing director and main shareholder. It is a consultancy company that assists seafood companies with strategic development, transaction support, and general advisory services. The employees at INAQ have high competence, extensive experience, and deep insights into the seafood industry.
– In preparation for the company’s 25th anniversary next year, it was time to lay out a new strategy for INAQ’s continued development, says Frode Blakstad. And strategy is something we excel at in INAQ! Over the past year, we have recruited several new employees, appointed a new managing director, and developed a new visual profile for the company. Now we are ready to take the next step in the repositioning of the company. We are doing this by bringing in new investors who will build a strong bridge between the company’s past and future, says Blakstad.
– Strategy is something we excel at in INAQ!
Frode Blakstad
Employees in the company will, through the establishment of a joint holding company, take over 34% of the shares. In addition, Torghatten Aqua AS will come in as a shareholder by purchasing 66% of the shares.
Torghatten Aqua is an investment and development company with roots on the Helgeland coast, developing businesses within sustainable aquaculture, research and development, tourism, and blue education. Knowledge, competence, and business development are strong common denominators for INAQ and Torghatten Aqua, and the companies have worked closely together over time.
Through Torghatten Aqua, INAQ has gained long-term industrial owners who will provide the company with a strong network, while the broad ownership in Torghatten Aqua, including its listing on Euronext NOTC, ensures INAQ’s position as an independent and standalone player for customers in Norway and internationally.
– It means a lot that we bring the employees in with a significant ownership stake in INAQ, says Nina Santi, managing director of INAQ.
– It is the individual employee’s competence that creates value in a company like INAQ, and the continued development of the company depends on dedicated employees. The new shareholders share the common goal of further developing the company as an international consultancy within the seafood sector,” says Santi.
INAQ was initially established to provide strategic advice to seafood companies, and with Frode Blakstad at the helm, it has been central to the development of several significant players within the seafood sector.
Under Blakstad’s leadership, INAQ has been a key player in the development of the strategy for several large aquaculture groups and business clusters related to the seafood industry, while also assisting companies in developing groundbreaking ideas and solutions for a more long-term sustainable aquaculture industry.
It is a fantastic legacy that INAQ will continue with new owners. However, Frode will continue, as he will remain as chairman of both INAQ and Torghatten Aqua.
– It means a lot that we bring the employees in with a significant ownership stake in INAQ.
Nina Santi