efko eyes Bulgarian partnership deal

Upper Austrian fruit and vegetable producer efko is considering cooperating with a Bulgarian company as an increase in turnover is expected for this year.Company chief  Gerald Hackl said today (Thurs) turnover rose by 16 per cent year on year to 118.3 million Euros in 2009, adding that another three-per-cent increase was expected for 2010.Hackl said activities abroad were mainly responsible for the good annual result.Efko, which has its headquarters in Eferding, employs 530 staff, of which 430 in Austria.The firm, which has for years tried in vain to find a production facility in Eastern Europe, has recently started talks with a Bulgarian company over a strategic partnership.Hackl said the plan was to acquire a blocking minority for one to two million Euros featuring the option of a later takeover.