CVC Capital Partners, a Luxembourg-based financial fund, is reportedly eyeing a takeover of certain assets from Croatian conglomerate Fortenova, including Slovenia's largest retail chain, Mercator. This marks CVC's second attempt to acquire Mercator, having previously sought a 53% stake over a decade ago but losing to Croatian Agrokor.

The potential sale follows Fortenova's restructuring, which eliminated ownership stakes from sanctioned Russian banks Sberbank and VTB Bank, consolidating control under Croatian businessman Pavao Vujnovac. Should the deal proceed, CVC would acquire Mercator, while Fortenova would retain its Croatian retail chain, Konzum, and one of its major food processing companies, either Jamnica or Pik Vrbovec.

However, Fortenova has denied any plans to sell Mercator or significant parts of its business. A spokesperson emphasized that the company's focus is on improving profitability during ongoing debt refinancing discussions. They highlighted a significant reduction in Mercator's debt, which has decreased from €857 million in 2017 to €294 million in 2023, with further reductions expected in 2024.

In addition to CVC, Fortenova is reportedly in talks with banks and international financial institutions regarding debt refinancing. This news comes shortly after Mercator withdrew from a takeover bid for Slovenian competitor Engrotuš, which faced a €53.11 million loss in 2022 due to asset impairments but has since improved its financial standing in 2023 by reducing debt through the sale of real estate and drugstore businesses.

Engrotuš is still on the market, actively seeking a new owner, preferably one with a regional retail presence to foster synergies. German retail giant REWE has previously been mentioned as a potential buyer. Engrotuš aims for profitability through operational improvements and planned capital increases, with Alfi Fund (AH Invest 1) holding an 80% majority stake and Tuš Holding owning the remaining 20%.