The signing of the share purchase agreement and the completion of the transaction will follow after BOSQAR secures the planned financing and obtains all necessary regulatory approvals.
PIK Vrbovec currently operates the most modern primary meat processing facility (slaughterhouse) in the region, as well as meat processing plants. It directly collaborates with over 100 local farms, as well as Belja farms, making it the largest domestic pork processor. Traceability is guaranteed at all stages of production, employing the highest technological, IT, and hygiene standards, with all processes under constant expert supervision.
Additionally, the company exports its products to around twenty countries.
Currently, the company employs about 1,500 workers and has undergone a transformation in recent years into a profitable company with significant growth potential.
"Already upon exiting the agricultural sector, the Fortenova Group began a strategic shift in its operations, focusing on activities and services not directly tied to primary production and processing. Since PIK is largely reliant on agricultural production, it was a natural decision for us to find another owner for that company. With its brands, quality, and market shares, PIK adds value to any partner, especially BOSQAR, which has good prerequisites for creating its own strong food production platform. On the other hand, we are extremely pleased that in this, as in all previous divestment processes, we have met the most important value criteria—we have found a partner for our company who will further develop it, strengthen its market positions, and preserve employment. This is good for the company and its employees, as well as for the local community and the economy as a whole," said Fabris Peruško, a member of the Management Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Fortenova Group.
On the other hand, BOSQAR aims to build the strongest food platform in Central and Southeastern Europe through this investment.
"The planned acquisition of PIK Vrbovec represents a key new milestone in BOSQAR INVEST's strategy to build a strong regional platform in the agri-food and meat processing industry. With the planned acquisition of PIK, BOSQAR would further strengthen its platform, bringing together Panvita, one of the largest food producers in Slovenia, and PIK, one of the largest food producers in Croatia, within the same operational structure. We are pleased that the Fortenova Group has accepted our binding offer. We are working on finalizing the contractual elements with our partners at the Fortenova Group and PIK and expect the share purchase agreement to be signed in the near future. We will keep the investment community informed of the transaction's progress in a timely manner. We are all well aware that we live in unstable times. Recently, the escalation of tensions in the Middle East has highlighted how important food security is today, and the fact that it will remain so in the foreseeable future. In this context, BOSQAR sees its further investments in Future Food as a strategic contribution to strengthening supply resilience in Croatia and the entire region," said Darko Horvat, Chairman of the Board of BOSQAR.
Stjepan Orešković is a Croatian entrepreneur and scientist. He transformed the group into a global leader employing nearly 18,000 people in 23 countries.
Manica Pirc Orešković is a director with a career spanning various industries, including media and tourism. As the majority shareholder of BOSQAR d.d. and publisher of Time Out Croatia (2017–2025), she has promoted sustainable tourism, cultural enrichment, and impactful social initiatives.
As Director of Orso Plan Zagreb (2005–2024), she successfully managed real estate investment projects in Croatia and Slovenia. With over 150 published articles in the media, she actively advocates for goals such as gender equality, healthy living, and social responsibility. She believes education is key to societal progress.