Penta Investments – a Central European investment group – has finalized the sale of Żabka Polska S.A. The new owner of the Polish convenience chain stores is Lontano Investments, controlled by Mid Europa Partners fund. The transaction has been officially approved by the Polish Office of Competition and Protection. All formal aspects of the deal have already been fulfilled.
Penta has acquired Żabka Polska in 2007. Within 4 years the fund has increased the value of Żabka significantly and therefore met all promises made upon the acquisition. Gross revenues have grown by almost 42% and EBITDA by 162%. Penta has contributed to opening over 400 new stores in Poland along with the new formats of shops – called Freshmarket – introduction. Żabka Polska is by now Penta’s best investment in Poland and one among 3 top projects in the fund’s history in all operational markets.
What is more, Penta has also introduced Żabka in the Czech Republic and – as a part of the market consolidation plan, acquired and developed Koruna supermarket chain. In December 2010 the fund sold Czech Zabka and Koruna to Tesco. The transaction was finalized in March 2011.
About Żabka Polska S.A.
- Żabka Polska S.A. is the owner of the largest chain of centralized and format convenience stores in Central and Eastern Europe operating under the Żabka brand.
- Within several years of activity in the national market it has become the undisputed leader of this trade segment in Poland. Żabka chain stands for modern retail sales concept, always striving to guarantee its customers the best and most convenient shopping experience. To meet consumers’ needs, Żabka offers the best brand products and services in over 2400 stores.
- Penta Investments acquired 100% shares Żabka Polska S.A. stores in 2007.