As of October 12th, Idea Market and its four affiliated companies are no longer part of the Fortenova group

tportalIndependentCenterNov 5

The bankruptcy of Serbia’s Alta Bank has raised concerns regarding potential spillover effects into the Croatian economy, particularly due to recent commercial ties between the two countries. Serbian authorities arrested the bank’s owner, Davor Macura, along with two others, on suspicion of illegally extracting approximately 380 million euros from the institution. The National Bank of Serbia revoked the bank’s license citing severe financial deterioration and liquidity issues. Compounding the situation, the Alta Group recently acquired Fortenova’s retail operations in Serbia, including over 300 stores under brands such as Idea, Roda, and Mercator. Although Fortenova stated it has no direct business relationship with Alta Bank and continues operating under existing contracts, the lack of transparency regarding the transaction’s financing leaves open questions about exposure for Croatian exporters and suppliers.

Bias read (Center): The article maintains a neutral tone by presenting verified facts, explicitly noting that legal suspicions require judicial resolution, and balancing the crisis narrative with corporate denials of direct liability.

Index.hrIndependentCenterNov 2

Fortenova Group confirmed that it completed the sale of its Serbian retail operations, including the Idea, Mercator, and Roda chains, to Alta Retail, a company owned by arrested Serbian businessman Davor Macura. While the transaction was finalized on October 12, 2026, Fortenova declined to disclose specific payment terms, total amounts received, or whether any deferred payments remain outstanding, citing contractual confidentiality. Media estimates suggest the deal involved approximately 40 million euros in equity value plus the assumption of roughly 100 million euros in liabilities. This commercial dispute occurs against the backdrop of Macura’s arrest by Serbian police on suspicion of unauthorized access to his bank’s vaults, allegedly resulting in illicit gains of around 383 million euros. Additionally, the National Bank of Serbia revoked Alta Bank’s operating license due to severe financial deterioration, though Fortenova stated it has no direct business relationship with the bank.

Bias read (Center): The article maintains a strictly factual tone regarding corporate transactions and legal proceedings, using neutral language and directly quoting official statements without editorializing or taking a side on the underlying criminal allegations.

HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicCenterNov 2

Fortenova Group confirmed that the sale of Idea Markets and four related Serbian subsidiaries to Alta Retail was fully completed on October 12, meaning these entities are no longer part of Fortenova’s ownership structure. The transaction, which included companies such as Enna Fruit Grocka Beograd and mStart Business Solutions Beograd, was executed according to agreed terms, though specific financial details remain confidential due to contract restrictions. This corporate update coincides with the arrest of Damir Macura, owner of Alta Bank, by Serbian authorities on suspicion of embezzling approximately 380 million euros from the bank’s vaults. Macura, described as close to the outgoing Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), was detained shortly after the National Bank of Serbia revoked Alta Bank’s operating license and initiated bankruptcy proceedings. These legal actions occurred less than 48 hours after the revocation of the banking license and followed parliamentary elections where former President Aleksandar Vučić acknowledged his defeat.

Bias read (Center): The article primarily reports a corporate divestment using neutral language, while providing necessary political context regarding the arrested buyer's owner without adopting a partisan stance or employing loaded terminology.