PRAGUE, Oct 1 (Hina) - The Koprivnica-based food producer Podravka on Monday took over a Czech company, Lagris a.s., the leading independent food supplier in the Czech and Slovak markets.
PRAGUE, Oct 1 (Hina) - The Koprivnica-based food producer Podravka
on Monday took over a Czech company, Lagris a.s., the leading
independent food supplier in the Czech and Slovak markets. #L#
Podravka management board director Darko Marinac said at a contract
signing ceremony at the Croatian Embassy in Prague that Podravka
now had production facilities in all central European countries in
transition.
This is in line with Podravka's business strategy of strengthening
its position in that region, particularly with the help of new
products, Marinac said, announcing possible new acquisitions in
the Czech Republic.
By buying Lagris Podravka has acquired an established name in the
Czech and Slovak markets, especially regarding rice and legumes.
Lagris holds more than 44 percent of the rice and legumes market in
the Czech Republic, which makes it the country's leading supplier.
The company's turnover in 2001 totalled around 17 million US
dollars, of which the Slovak market accounted for three million.
The company has 260 employees - more than 200 in the Czech Republic
and around 50 in Slovakia.
In the first half of this year Podravka made a profit of 7.3 million
euros, with sales amounting to 167 million euros. Foreign sales
accounted for 44.9 percent of the amount. Podravka's sales on the
Czech and Slovak markets amounted to four and 2.9 million euros
respectively.
(hina) rml sb