Romaqua ponders investment in thermal centre

Autor: Ioana David 12.04.2011

Romaqua Group, the biggest mineral water producer on the Romanian market, held by businessmen Octavian Creţu and Nicolae Palfi, is pondering investments in a thermal centre in Borsec town, where it produces Borsec mineral water.

The company owns a hotel in Borsec which it is considering tearing down and building a new one. "The hotel has small rooms, on average 11-12 square metres. It would cost us more to modify it than to demolish it," said Nicolae Palfi, vice-president of Romaqua and minority shareholder with a 31% stake. Romaqua, a company with 142.5 million euros in turnover in 2010, could start investments in this centre at the end of the year, and finalise them in 2012. Analyses start next month, with Palfi saying he has no estimates on potential investments entailed by this project. Romaqua's vicepresident also said the centre would serve both for the company's meetings and for tourists. Asked if they want to attract foreigners, Palfi said: "Foreigners come if they get the necessary facilities."

Borsec, a brand launched 205 years ago, last year generated 52% of the sales of the Romaqua group, i.e. 74 million euros, according to ZF calculations. The company's two beer brands, Albacher and Dorfer, last year accounted for 28% of the sales, i.e. 40 million euros.