Aquila takes over Unilever product distribution dropped by Legato last year

Aquila group could see its revenues go up by at least 20m euros this year after it took over Unilever distribution in counties left uncovered after the partnership between the consumer goods multinational and Legato company, owned by Rapotan family of Galati ended. Aquila Grup, the distributor held by businessmen Alin Dociu and Catalin Vasile of Ploiesti, has recently started distributing Unilever products in the traditional stores previously covered by Legato, a company controlled by Cezar and Angelica Rapotan of Galati, owners of Arabesque, the biggest distributor of building materials on the market. According to ZF estimates, the new distribution contract covers 5,000 stores in 10-15 counties. Aquila has been one of Unilever's biggest distributors domestically since 2006. Last year, after Legato decided to end its thirteen-year partnership with the consumer goods producer, Aquila and Macromex became the only distributors of Unilever Romania. The Prahova-based group has also entered the market of super premium coffee by taking over the domestic distribution of Lavazza from Strauss Group. Its turnover, put at 170-200m euros for 2009, might rise by over 20-25m euros this year as a result of the two newly signed distribution contracts.