The Tatra rescuers have taken control of the Đuro Đaković Group d.d., a key brand in Croatian industry

Czech industrialists René Matera and Jaroslav Strnad, who had previously rescued the Tatra car manufacturer in Kopřivnice, have taken control of the Đuro Đaković Group d.d. (DDG), a key player in Croatian industry. The acquisition was finalised at the DDG general meeting held on 31 August 2022. The Czech investor injected HRK 232 million (a combination of cash and fixed assets) into DDG and acquired an 82% stake through the investment vehicle DD ACQUISITION a.s.

Within DD ACQUISITION, CE Industries, owned by Jaroslav Strnad, holds 65% and PROMET GROUP, owned by René Matera, holds 35%. DDG has historically operated in the field of industrial equipment and transport vehicles for the energy, construction, railway and defence sectors. Its primary activity is currently the manufacture of freight railway wagons.

In 2020, the Croatian government ordered a search for a strategic investor due to DDG’s deteriorating financial situation — liabilities of HRK 300 million and a need for a capital injection of HRK 232 million. The Czech bid prevailed over two competitors thanks to the quality of its restructuring plan: whilst the competitors proposed a reduction in activities and the liquidation of assets, the Czech investors promised to preserve jobs and expand operations.

The priorities for 2022–2023 were to secure orders for railcars and triple production compared to 2021. In 2022, sales rose from 260 wagons (2021) to approximately 600; 2023 was contractually secured for 800 wagons — the highest figures in DDG’s history. Key customers include GATX, Wascosa, Ermewa and VTG.