Portorož, Slovenia, November 20th, 2024 – Stjepan Orešković, the founder and majority shareholder of BOSQAR d.d., took part at this year's Poslovna konferenca Portorož (PKP) event in Slovenia, where he engaged in a dynamic discussion with Peter Frankl, CEO and Publisher of Finance.
Stjepan Orešković, the founder and majority shareholder of BOSQAR d.d., at Poslovna konferenca Portorož (PKP)
Photos: Courtesy of PKP
The event, recognized as Slovenia's premier economic platform, serves as a hub for business leaders to share best practices and gain insight into emerging economic trends.
As a researcher, professor, and entrepreneur, and in the context of BOSQAR's recent investment in the Panvita Group, Orešković outlined the group's distinctive model for sustainable growth, which has driven its extraordinary success over the past five years.
"Since our IPO in 2019, BOSQAR's market capitalization has grown from 30 million to over 250 million euros – a remarkable 630% increase. Simultaneously, our workforce has expanded from a few hundred employees to more than 13,900," Orešković said, emphasizing the measurable outcomes of the company's strategies.
A Unique Model for Growth and Development
Orešković attributed BOSQAR's achievements to a set of principles that go beyond mere rhetoric.
"Our foundation lies in the exceptional knowledge and education of our team. We prioritize recruiting people with good energy; we are happy if they can see an opportunity to grow within the company, typically aged between 25 and 40, full of energy and fresh perspectives," he explained.
This energy, Orešković argued, stems from the company's commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
Photos: Courtesy of PKP
"We believe in market dominance through knowledge, equal opportunities, and all forms of equality, including gender parity. Beyond financial success, we take pride in community-focused initiatives, such as our partnerships with institutions like the Croatian National Theater (HNK) in culture and the Brave Phone NGO in supporting vulnerable groups.
Unlike those who use ESG as greenwashing, we see it as integral to our corporate energy," he remarked.
Strategic Acquisitions and Partnerships
In addition to organic growth, BOSQAR has excelled in acquisitions, with Orešković noting, "We may be among the global leaders in the number and volume of acquisitions achieved within a given timeframe. This is due to our team's unparalleled expertise in identifying potential and creating scalable success."
Stjepan Orešković with Peter Frankl, CEO and Publisher of Finance
Photos: Courtesy of PKP
Referring to BOSQAR's recent investment in Panvita, one of Slovenia's leading food companies, Orešković explained the partnership's alignment with BOSQAR's strategy.
"We never approach a company unless we're confident we can amplify its success by two, three, or six times. For Panvita, we've identified significant growth potential and have already received overwhelmingly positive feedback in Slovenia. For instance, the head of NLB, Blaž Brodnjak, has publicly stated that he expects Panvita to grow threefold in ten years. It's a rare gesture of public support from such a reputable person," Orešković said.
"I hope to positively 'disappoint' Mr. Brodnjak and all the friends and partners who support us in Slovenia and grow faster and more. We want to be a regional consolidator and a leading company. Even before the partnership with Panvita, we knew what the following investments we had to make were. We work seriously, we have precise ideas," he said.
Orešković also highlighted BOSQAR's collaborative approach to acquisitions.
"We maintain partnerships with existing owners and management, avoiding the predatory tactics often seen in the industry. In 95% of cases, we continue working together, ensuring stability and mutual growth," he noted.
A Vision Beyond Profit
Orešković's closing remarks offered a powerful perspective on BOSQAR's broader mission.
"We understand that economic, social, and intellectual energy is the key to global competitiveness. Those who exhaust these resources fall behind. By combining profitability with technological innovation, gender parity, and environmental stewardship, we aim to redefine success – not just for BOSQAR but for all stakeholders," he concluded.
Photos: Courtesy of PKP
About BOSQAR INVEST:
BOSQAR INVEST (BOSQAR d.d., together with its subsidiaries) is a European leader that operates in the industries of business process and technology outsourcing, information technology, employment services (HR), eCommerce, and food.
With an innovative business model, BOSQAR INVEST accelerated its expansion on the market with intensive organic growth and an M&A platform. Through its buy-and-build strategy, it has acquired 57 companies since 2016. BOSQAR INVEST is focused on improving the profitability and operations of each of its acquired companies through its standardized operational models that result in significant organic growth of all companies inside the Group and the Group itself.
Today, BOSQAR INVEST operates through four business verticals: the BPTO business vertical (brand: Mplus), the HR business vertical (brands: Manpower and Workplace), the eCommerce business vertical (brand: Eplus ventures), and the food business vertical. All business verticals are focused on shareholder value creation through a commitment to best practices in digitalization, structured key accounts management programs, rigorous financial stability and cash management, strong and dedicated management teams, and a focus on results.
In its ownership structure, BOSQAR INVEST brings together pension funds, institutional investors, international private equity funds, development institutions, and private investors. The BOSQAR INVEST business community consists of over 13,900 employees, and the group provides its services to clients who, in addition to Croatia, do business in 57 countries around the world.
About Panvita Group:
Panvita Group, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in business in 2022, is one of the largest players in the Slovenian agricultural and food market dedicated to the sustainable production of high-quality food. It operates in three key segments: primary agriculture, the food sector, and sustainable energy. As one of Slovenia's leading vertically integrated chains of agricultural companies, it employs over 700 people. It cultivates more than 3,500 hectares of agricultural land using state-of-the-art equipment and production aligned with the climate program for agriculture and the environment. In 2022, Panvita Group recorded over EUR 117 million in revenues and EBITDA of more than EUR 10,3 million.
Panvita is a leader in the ecologically sustainable food business and has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030 while simultaneously increasing the procurement of sustainably produced raw materials and raising the level of use of recycled packaging to at least 75 percent. Panvita has been investing in sustainable energy sources for almost two decades. In 2006, it launched its first biogas power plant, and today, it is the co-owner of three biomass and biogas power plants, with plans to further expand its energy production capacity from organic waste.
