Cargill gets ready to sell land and buildings of former edible oil factory in Romania

Edible oil producer Cargill Oils will sell the landplot and the buildings which used to host its oil factory in Podari, Dolj county in Romania. The company's shareholders will meet in the beginning of March to decide the minimum asking price for its remaining assets in Podari. Last year, Cargill sold its equipment in the former factory. This happened after the company sold its edible oil brands Untdelemn de la Bunica and Olpo to Expur, part of French Sofiprotéol. Following the sale, Cargill closed down the oil factory. Cargill said it was stopping its vegetable oil production in Romania, while focusing on the agricultural business. The company had taken over the factory in Podari eight years ago from Topway Industries in a deal worth some USD 30 million. “As a result of this operation, Expur will increase its seed pressing volumes while pursuing the development of the Slobozia site and assuring outlet markets for local agricultural producers,” according to Expur. “We will continue to grow our local business offering farmers a range of products, services, advice and financial tools. We work in close partnership with the food and feed industry in Romania, providing the highest quality raw materials,” said Martin Schuldt, President of the Board of Cargill Oils. Cargill has been active in Romania since 1996, is headquartered in Bucharest and now has around 900 employees in 23 locations in the country. The company has activities in grains and oilseeds, bottled and refined oils and animal nutrition. editor@romania-insider.com