MK Group and Fortenova Group have signed a purchase agreement for the company Dijamant from Zrenjanin, under which MK Group is expected to acquire a 100% stake in Dijamant, representing one of the most significant acquisition processes in the agri-food sector of the Adria region. This strategic move marks an important moment for both companies, with a clear mutual intent to carry out the process responsibly, transparently and in line with long-term visions for growth, strengthening market positions and further developing the regional agri-food industry. The transaction will be finalized after receiving approvals from the competent competition authorities.
“This acquisition represents an important step in the further development of our MK Agri-Food division and once again confirms MK Group’s long-term ambition to lead the regional agri-food industry. The investment reflects our readiness to support companies with high growth potential and to continue expanding our business ecosystem. I am confident that the transfer of our know-how, experience and expertise, built through many years of managing agricultural and food companies, will enable Dijamant to achieve significant improvements in processes, quality and innovation, as well as create additional value for employees, consumers, partners and the entire industry,” said Mihailo Janković, General Director of MK Group.
“By selling Dijamant we conclude very intensive two years of gradual exit from agriculture. We have found good partners who offer development and further strengthening. In the past period we stabilized the company, repaid debts incurred before 2017, modernized part of the factory that was over 40 years old by investing more than EUR 40 million of our own funds. We doubled production capacities, improved competitiveness and increased market share. Today Dijamant has a factory that is among the most technologically advanced in the industry. I am also pleased that we maintained social dialogue throughout and improved employees’ material conditions. In short, we secured the prerequisites for a new development phase which, I am sure, MK Group will appreciate. This signing is the first step toward our exit from Dijamant’s ownership structure and we hope the entire process will be completed within the expected timeframe so the company can continue its development. I want to thank all colleagues from Dijamant, Fortenova Group and MK Group who successfully brought this transaction to a close and to wish colleagues at Dijamant every success. With this transaction we complete our exit from the agricultural industry and the edible oils and processed products industry. It is part of a portfolio optimization process and an exit from areas that are no longer our strategic direction. Fortenova Group’s focus is on the retail, logistics, commercial real estate and beverages sectors,” said Fabris Peruško, Member of the Management Board and Chief Executive Officer of Fortenova Group.
Fortenova Group emphasizes that it is pleased the company is entering a new phase with a partner such as MK Group and believes that MK Group’s experience, investment capacity and strategic commitment will contribute to Dijamant’s further development and strengthening of its market position. Fortenova Group will provide full support for all steps of the transition to ensure the process is carried out successfully and in the best interest of employees, partners and the business as a whole.
The public will be informed of all next steps and phases of the process in a timely and transparent manner, as before.