The Micula brothers prepare to join the billionaire club this year

As concerns operational profit (EBITDA), the company has budgeted a 20 percent increase on 2007, when European Drinks posted some €45 million. Of total group business, soft drinks made up 35 percent and mineral water 12 percent last year, and the company is expecting increases of 12-15 percent for soft drinks and some 25 percent for mineral water in 2008.

The soft drink market, which includes mineral water, is worth some €850 mln, with an annual growth rhythm of some 15 percent, according to producers. Major players on the internal market are Romaqua, European Drinks and Coca-Cola. European Drinks exploits two water sources in northwestern Bihor County, at Stana de Vale and Rieni.

The group belonging to the Micula brothers includes European Food, European Drinks and Scandic Distilleries, specialized in the production of soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, foods and sweets. The two are also involved in tourism, mass media and real estate.