Vidaković: Agrokor must remain a unified system, the most demanding phase follows

The representative of suppliers in the temporary creditors’ council of Agrokor, Marica Vidaković, stated on Wednesday that the outcome of the vote on the settlement for suppliers was expected and that after the settlement is voted on, a demanding phase of its implementation follows. Agrokor’s creditors voted on Wednesday for the settlement, which was supported by creditors holding 80.2% of total claims.

– I expected this percentage, as through the powers of attorney we received in the association we could predict what the result would be, Vidaković said in a statement to reporters after the creditors voted on the settlement at the court hearing as part of the extraordinary administration in Agrokor.

>>>The settlement on Agrokor has been voted on

When asked about her expectations for the future, she replied that a rather exhausting phase has ended, and a very significant phase of implementation follows, in order to carry out what has been agreed, whether it concerns the collection of marginal debt or representation on Konzum’s shelves, which is, as she said, very important for suppliers.

– Production companies are also important to us, as this is our domestic product, so recovery is very important to us, Vidaković said.

>>>Agrokor’s creditors will vote on the settlement using the m2voting application

When asked what power dynamics she expects in future ownership, or whether suppliers are interested in increasing their stake in Agrokor’s companies, she replied that it has always been discussed that these companies should first be enabled and raised in the market, and that everything will be determined by supply and demand, i.e., the market.

When asked if she is afraid that the new owners will not potentially respect all elements of the agreements reached with suppliers, she replied that she does not believe so, but that suppliers have secured mechanisms to protect their interests in that case.

– The settlement even stipulated that for the potential sale of Konzum, the consent of suppliers must be obtained, she said, adding that she “absolutely does not fear because the measures that suppliers would take if what was agreed is not fulfilled are too high and too risky.”

>>>Hearing on Agrokor – creditors present with 95% of claims

She emphasized that market shares in Konzum have been agreed upon for the next five years.

When asked if she thinks it would be good for Agrokor to remain a functional whole for as long as possible and whether she fears the sale of certain parts of it, she replied that it is not possible to decide unilaterally and that even for the management of the company, consensus will have to be reached.

In response to the remark that this will not be easy, she replied that many did not believe that the settlement would be voted on.

– Interests are something that connects or divides, and I believe that in this case, they will connect, Vidaković said.

>>>Horvat: If there is a reallocation of shares in Agrokor, I expect interest from Croatian companies

She emphasized that she believes that at this moment, Agrokor must certainly remain a unified system. She reiterated that the most demanding phase follows, in which the transfer of business units and assets to the new company will take place.

When asked for a message to Adris, which did not vote for the settlement, she replied that they are “dear colleagues” and “dear suppliers” who have decided to defend their interests in a different way and that she thinks they “know best what is good for them.”