There is no strategic investor among the companies that have so far purchased the documents for participation in the sale of Slatina Bulgarplod in Sofia, the biggest wholesale market in the Balkan region, said the city's sell-off agency. A total of 18 corporations, one consortium and two individuals have bought tender papers to date. Most of the interested companies are in the property business. The list also includes Chimimport Finance, a Chimimport subsidiary, and property developer FairPlay International. The bids for the wholesale market, valued at 75 mln levs, are due by October 17. Experts, including former Slatina Bulgarplod boss Alexander Yotsev, said the asking price was too high. Yotsev recommends to sell the market as a buildable site. The buyer will be barred from altering the core business of the company for a period of 15 years after the sale. Sofia Municipal Privatisation Agency chief Ivan Dimitrov said the sell-off contract will specify a default payment on this clause equal to 100% of the deal price. Slatina Bulgarplod, a member of the World Union of Wholesale Markets, operates on footprint of 45 ha near the Sofia International Airport and major road arteries leading in and out of the capital. The wholesale market, which generate an annual turnover of 2 bln levs, offers 6,000 sq m of refrigerated storage facilities, quality control laboratory, gas station and bank and customs offices. It is also accessible by rail.