Sealord sale a patient trawl

Negotiations are still progressing slowly in the search for a buyer for half of Sealord, one of the country's largest fishing companies.

A joint bid for Brierley Investments' stake in Sealord was confirmed more than a month ago, but Waitangi Fisheries Commission chief executive Robin Hapi said yesterday that negotiations continued to be held back by a number of different issues.

The bidding partnership is understood to be made up of the commission, and South African frozen food giant Irvin and Johnson.

"Negotiations are extremely complicated, and the length of time they are taking are indicative of that," Mr Hapi said.

He could not suggest when the process may end.