Maspex acquires majority control of Purcari Wineries
Polish food and drink giant Maspex Group has recently made headlines with the acquisition of Romania-listed Pucari Wineries through a voluntary takeover bid. The transaction, valued at 604 million lei ($136 million), marks a significant move for Maspex as it expands its presence in the alcoholic beverages sector.
Maspex, through its Romanian arm Maspex Romania, initially acquired a 1.6% stake in Pucari in March, leading up to the complete takeover. With this deal, Maspex now holds a controlling 72.8% stake in Pucari, a move that aligns with the company’s strategy of regional expansion and strengthening its presence in the market.
Krzysztof Pawiński, CEO of Maspex Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating that it is a strategic move to invest in recognized brands with a strong tradition and position in the market. He emphasized the importance of Pucari Wineries, known for its premium wines in Central and Eastern Europe, as an ideal addition to Maspex’s portfolio. The goal is to further develop Pucari as a strong player capable of competing effectively on international markets.
Pucari Wineries, one of the largest wine businesses in the region, operates several wineries across Moldova, Romania, and Bulgaria. The company also produces brandy from the Moldovan Bardar distillery, showcasing a diverse product range that appeals to a wide audience.
The acquisition of Pucari by Maspex was first proposed in May, with Romania’s financial market watchdog granting approval for the takeover in June. Grzegorz Grabowski, general manager of Maspex Romania, highlighted the potential synergies between the two companies, particularly in increasing the export potential of Pucari’s wineries and leveraging Maspex’s strong distribution network.
In 2024, Pucari reported a revenue of 382.5 million lei, reflecting a 3% increase from the previous year. The company’s EBITDA rose by 7% to 107.4 million lei, although net profit saw a slight decline of 10% due to one-off costs related to the discontinuation of its waste-recycling business. Looking ahead, Pucari predicts a revenue growth of 12-17% in 2025, demonstrating optimism for future performance.
In the first quarter of 2025, Pucari recorded a 12% increase in revenue, reaching 91.1 million lei. EBITDA grew by 3% to 23.9 million lei, while net profit experienced a 17% decrease to 9 million lei. Despite the slight decline in net profit, Pucari remains focused on capitalizing on its strengths and expanding its market presence under Maspex’s ownership.
The acquisition of Pucari Wineries by Maspex Group signifies a strategic move to strengthen the company’s position in the alcoholic beverages sector and capitalize on the growing demand for premium wines in Central and Eastern Europe. With a clear vision for the future, Maspex aims to leverage the strengths of Pucari Wineries and drive further growth in the market.
