A handful of investors in Slovenian food supplier, Mercator, are looking to sell their shares in the company to Mid Europa Partners. Slovenian bank, Nova Ljubljanska Banka, is reportedly talking with Mid Europa about a deal to sell their 10.75% stake. Arkas, the Ljubljana-based financial adviser managing the sale, has indicated that four other banks hope to sell their stakes as well, which combined, total about 16%. To date, neither Mid Europa nor Mercator have commented on the negotiations.
Mercator (www.mercator.si)
Mercator is Slovenia’s largest food retailer with operations both at home and in Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia.
In addition to food and other groceries, the company also deals in sporting goods, home improvement supplies, and the restaurant business.
They employ more than 22,000 throughout all company operations. Mercator’s market capitalization has been placed at €565 million.
Mid Europa Partners (www.mideuropa.com)
Mid Europa Partners is a London-based private equity firm active in Central and Eastern Europe since 1999. Between its three funds, AIG Emerging Europe Infrastructure Fund LP, Emerging Europe Convergence Fund II, and Mid Europa Fund III, the firm manages total assets near €3.2 billion.
Sectors of interest include energy, health care, logistics, manufacturing, media, pharmaceuticals, telecom, and transportation. Mid Europa Partners maintains offices in London, Budapest, and Warsaw.
29/09/2010
Bulgaria, Central & Eastern Europe, Croatia, Montenegro, Retail Industry, Rumors & Speculation, Serbia, Slovenia