A MULTI-MILLION pound takeover of a Warminster-based seafood company will help it go from strength to strength, says its new owners.

The SIF Group finalised a £14m deal to buy Lyons Seafoods on Friday.

This will give them a strong position in the market for fully-processed seafood with an estimated annual turnover of £110m.

Despite the change, SIF bosses said it was 'business as usual' at their factories in Warminster and Codford.

Jon Thor Gunnarsson, managing director of SIF Iceland Seafood UK, said: "Operations at Lyons Seafoods will not be affected by the purchase.

"This purchase is an important move in the SIF group's strategy plan to gain a strong position in the market in its key market countries, ensure access to retail distribution, build up its brands and engage in product development.

"Under the agreement, SIF takes over the operations immediately."

Founded in 1958, Lyons Seafood Ltd has specialised in the production of fully-processed shellfish, with shrimp products accounting for a large part of its production line.

Two state-of the-art factories, boosted by a recent investment programme, employ nearly 300 people.

"Lyons is the largest brand in chilled seafood, and also has a strong market position in frozen shellfish," said Mr Gunnarsson.

"The purchase of Lyons Seafoods follows two years' detailed analysis of the British market and examination of commercial opportunities there."

With over twenty-five years of sourcing experience in India and the Far East, Lyons Seafoods have staff at key sites in India, Pakistan and Thailand.

The in-house laboratory keeps standards high and these strict controls and quality assurance have attracted customers such as Tesco, Somerfield and Sainsbury's.

The SIF Group is hoping to build on its annual £61m turnover, and hopes to be market leaders in countries, including France, USA and Spain.

Mr Gunnarsson said: "The group's policy is to seize the opportunities offered by collaboration with other companies in order to gain an advantage on its key markets."