AMERICAN BANK INVESTS US$280 MILLION IN CROATIAN FOOD INDUSTRY

( Editorial: --> 6927- ) ZAGREB, Oct 8 (Hina)- Croatian Prime Minister Zlatko Matesa received on Thursday Ivica Todoric, owner and head of the board of directors of the Agrokor food concern, the Government's Communications Office said in a statement. In a meeting, also attended by Economy Minister Nenad Porges, Todoric sad he had accepted an offer by the reputable American bank Bankers Trust to back Agrokor's development programme with a syndicated loan and bonds in the amount of US$280 million. The deal will enable the largest Croatian privately-owned company to enter the international capital market, and also proves the market's trust in the stability of Croatian economy, the government's statement said. Other than the largest Croatian private company, Agrokor is the second largest Croatian company, with technological investments exceeding US$150 million in the past four years alone. (hina) mr/ha 082103 MET oct 98