Serbian light fixtures producer and distributor Nimax is considering an equity sale to a potential partner and is interested in public-private partnership (PPP) opportunities involving Serbian municipalities, the company's owner told EMIS.
"We are seriously thinking about [a potential sale]," Vladan Maksic said.
"In order for that to happen, the future investor needs to understand that this market has a potential," the official noted.
Dutch major Philips, whose products Nimax is distributing, would be the most suitable potential buyer, Maksic said, but some of the bigger companies that Nimax is working for would also be a great option.
Nimax is also trying to set up PPP projects for public lighting in several municipalities in Serbia, where the PPP model has just taken off. In Serbia, municipalities are the party that has to make the PPP proposal to a special committee, however, Maksic believes that private partners should be allowed to take the initiative, too, when they feel there is need for investments in a certain area.
“We are trying to introduce PPP projects for lighting in many municipalities in Serbia. Such a scheme would result in energy savings and environment protection and would also bring in a private partner with financial resources. But, due to present laws, Nimax is not able to initiate such projects," the executive explained.
The company is currently negotiating with the municipal authorities in Krusevac, Sombor, Kikinda and Leskovac.
“Our estimation is that the necessary investment for the whole of Serbia is around EUR 90mn. The central part of Belgrade has good lighting, but the suburban areas would require an investment of around EUR 5.5mn. The project would have a return on investment in ten to twelve years," Maksic concluded.
Nimax employs 70 people. The company posted revenues of EUR 5.2mn in 2013.