July 22, 2011

Lactalis considers Imlek

France's Lactalis is keen in purchasing Serbian dairy Imlek, according to the Croatian media.

If Lactalis, which also owns Croatian top dairy firm Dukat, acquires Imlek, it will strengthen its leading position in the region, the media quoted unofficial sources on Wednesday (Jul 20).

Lactalis has 13 production units in the region.

The market share of Imlek in Serbia is estimated 30-40%. It has operations in Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, the media said.

Imlek is owned by UK-based investment fund Salford Capital Partners through its Dutch-based Danube Foods.

In May, Serbian media quoted Salford's managing director in Serbia, Slobodan Petrovic, saying that Salford plans to offer its four Serbian companies for sale next year.

In Serbia, Salford is also owner of water bottlerKnjaz Milos, dairy Mlekara Subotica and confectionery maker Bambi –Banat.

Imlek is a component of the Serbian blue-chip index. In 2010, the company raised its net profit to EUR11 million (US$15.8 million), according to the Belgrade Stock Exchange data.