The sale of Mercator has long been a defining element in Slovenian privatization debates over the last twenty years. It has repeatedly emerged as a key issue during pre-election campaigns, highlighting the significant interest and diverse perspectives surrounding the transaction. The protracted process, requiring nine attempts to complete, speaks volumes about the complexities involved.
Robert Golob and Janez Janša ultimately disagreed on the sale. The ninth attempt, undertaken in 2014 under the government of Alenka Bratušek, saw the company subsequently declared bankrupt. Ivica Todorić, a Croatian businessperson, acquired Mercator for 172 million euros at that time.
Agrokor initially sought 100% ownership, offering 544 million euros for the asset. However, in 2017, the company faced severe financial difficulties due to a substantial accumulation of debts, threatening a widespread collapse. This situation underscored the critical importance of who controlled Mercator and the potential ramifications of its sale.
Topics: #sold #mercator #who
The sale of Mercator has remained a central topic in Slovenian privatization discussions for two decades. It consistently played a crucial role in political campaigns, reflecting considerable interest