August 15, 2024

Romanian poultry firm AAylex ONE secures US$22 million loan to bolster operations and expansion

AAylex ONE, the Romanian company behind the Cocorico poultry brand, has secured a EUR 20 million (US$22 million) loan to support its operational activities and further development, Romania-Insider reported.

The loan was arranged through a syndicate involving CEC Bank, Alpha Bank, and Exim Banca Romaneasca, as reported by Opinia Buzau.

CEC Bank served as the lead coordinator for the transaction, contributing EUR 10 million (US$11 million) of the total loan amount. Alpha Bank provided the remaining EUR 10 million (US$11 million), while Exim Banca Romaneasca is acting as guarantor on behalf of the state.

In addition to securing this financing, AAylex ONE recently entered a partnership with Auchan Retail Romania to launch a new restaurant concept. These restaurants, branded Artisan by Cocorico, are being positioned outside Auchan hypermarkets. The first location opened in July at Auchan Constanţa Sud.

AAylex ONE, owned by Romanian entrepreneur Bogdan Stanca, is a major player in Romania's food industry. The company reported a turnover of RON 1.14 billion (US$252 million) in 2023.

The company's operations are fully integrated, covering all aspects of poultry production, including hatcheries, breeding stations, and natural chicken feed factories. Additionally, AAylex ONE operates breeding farms, a fully automated slaughterhouse, and two processing plants.

-      Romania-Insider