Pavao Vujnovac and Fortenova Grupa

Pavao Vujnovac, the owner of the Enna Group, has recently become the majority owner of Fortenova Grupa, a leading food producer and retailer in Southeast Europe. This significant development occurred after the European Commission approved the acquisition of Fortenova Grupa by Vujnovac's company, Open Pass Ltd., in June 20244.

Background on Fortenova Grupa

Fortenova Grupa was established on April 1, 2019, as part of the restructuring of Agrokor, a Croatian company that faced financial difficulties and entered pre-bankruptcy proceedings15. Fortenova operates in key sectors such as retail, beverage production, edible oil, meat production, dairy, and agriculture. It employs over 45,000 people and operates more than 2,500 sales locations across the region35.

Ownership Transformation

In July 2024, Fortenova completed a transformation of its ownership structure, removing sanctioned Russian and Belarusian equity holders. Pavao Vujnovac, through Open Pass, became the majority owner with a significant stake, reportedly around 94% of the company, after investing approximately €450 million23.

Key Companies Under Fortenova

Fortenova Grupa includes well-known companies such as Konzum, Mercator, Zvijezda, Dijamant, Jamnica, and PIK Vrbovec, among others12. These brands are prominent in the Southeast European market, contributing to Fortenova's strong presence in the region.

Impact of Vujnovac's Acquisition

Vujnovac's acquisition marks a significant milestone for Fortenova Grupa, ensuring the company's stability and future growth by eliminating sanctioned entities from its ownership structure. This move is expected to enhance Fortenova's operational efficiency and market position in Southeast Europe4.