Major regional private equity group in central and south-eastern Europe, Mid Europa Partners (MEP) has bought Danube Foods Group (DFG) which has a portfolio that includes popular domestic food brands including dairy producer Imlak, beverage company Knjaz Milos, and confectionary company Bambi.
MEP offered the winning bid and secured the deal with support from its equity co-investor, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) which is support the acquisition with a €60 million subordinate loan and a €20 million equity investment.
As a shareholder, the EBRD will focus on boosting competitiveness, supporting Serbia’s implementation of EU standards for quality and safety, and raising standards in the region’s agribusiness sector through its championing advances in corporate governance, health and safety standards, sustainability and stewardship of the environment.
MEP foresees DFG’s companies to act as a platform for the firm to generate further growth, streamline efficiencies and improve standards through consolidation.
Since it began financing in Serbia, the EBRD has invested more than €3.8 billion across 187 projects in the country, spanning the financial sector, agribusiness, infrastructure, energy, commerce and industry.
To receive relevant news stories with summaries provided by GAI Research & Insight, subscribe to Global AgDevelopments, our free weekly enhanced eNews service