The EBRD is making an equity investment of up to €7 million in Forma Ideale, one of the leading furniture manufacturers in Serbia, to support the company’s further growth and the expansion of its export business.
With a wide distribution network across Serbia and a highly recognisable brand, Forma Ideale is known for its modern designs and competitive prices. The company exports a significant portion of its production to neighbouring countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, FYR Macedonia and Romania.
With the EBRD’s support, Forma Ideale will build its first modern logistics centre close to its production facility in Kragujevac, in central Serbia. The new warehouse will enable the company to consolidate its logistics operations, reduce delivery times and improve overall production efficiency.
EBRD funds will also be used to strengthen Forma Ideale’s balance sheet. The project will help Forma Ideale pursue its strategy and enter new export markets in EU and eastern Europe.
“Supporting local corporates is one of the EBRD’s priorities and we are pleased to partner such a prominent company in Serbia and to support Forma Ideale in building on its competitive advantages,” said Hildegard Gacek, EBRD Director for Serbia.
“Having the EBRD as partner represents a great honour and a sign of recognition for Forma Ideale’s development plans. We welcome the EBRD as our partner and are looking forward to working together on further growth and expansion, accompanied by future production investments”, said Vladimir Lazarevic, Forma Ideale General Manager.
Since the beginning of its operations in Serbia, the EBRD has committed over €1.7 billion in various projects. EBRD funds attracted additional investment worth €2.5 billion in the Serbian economy.