Slovenia-based retailer Mercator said today (17 June) that it will start merger talks over a possible merger with Croatian food manufacturer and retailer Agrokor.

Mercator, which runs around 1,500 stores across the Balkans, said it had received a letter from Agrokor, in which the Croatian firm expressed an interest in a “strategic combination” and wanted to start talks.

The negotiations would centre on a proposal Mercator made in March. Mercator president Ziga Debeljak wrote to his counterpart at Agrokor, Ivica Todoric, to state that the Slovenian firm was interested in “examining the possibility” of buying the Croatian company’s retail operations.

In the letter, Debeljak said that, if a deal was struck, it would allow Agrokor to focus on its “core” retail operations.

Agrokor is the largest privately-owned company in Croatia. It owns the Konzum retail chain and a number of food manufacturers, including ice cream maker Ledo, meat processor PIK Vrbovec and mayonnaise firm Zvijezda. 

A spokesperson for Mercator declined to comment further. However, the announcement is the latest development surrounding Mercator.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Yesterday, investors holding over 50% of Mercator shares agreed to pursue a joint sale of their combined stake.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Mercator revealed it was in talks to buy two retailers in Serbia, its third-largest market.