Raraul is an unlisted company 99.01% held by Albalact. It posted annual losses since 2008, when it was taken over by Albalact, which has invested over EUR5 million in the factory so far.
In the first half of 2015, Raraul posted losses of RON2.7 million, compared with RON2.89 million loss during the same period in 2014.
Until recently, the factory operated at an employment degree less than 50%, but the group aims to focus on developing the cheese sector. In 2014, Albalact was a leader on the milk sector.
“The management of Albalact group has already took measures for turning Raraul on profit, the measures being under development currently and targeting the growth of cheese volumes by improving the portfolio structure,“ Albalact representatives told ZF.
Albalact is the 5th player by the marketed quantity on the cheese market, which is evaluated at nearly RON1.6 billion annually. The first five companies account for 50% of the market, Hochland being a leader with a 20% market share in the first quarter of 2015.
The group also takes into account Raraul absorption by the parent company, a plan initially envisaged in 2010 and then abandoned. Raraul is 0.99% held by several natural persons, including the plant’s management. Raraul debts represent 10% of the group total debts, namely RON18 million.
(English version by Manuela Panescu)