Casino, Guichard-Perrachon (Casino) and Vesa Equity Investment S.à.r.l. (Vesa) announce that as of 3 September 2019, Vesa Equity Investment holds 5,020,139 shares of Casino, Guichard-Perrachon, representing 4.63% of the capital.

5. 9. 2019

Vesa Equity Investment S.à.r.l. is an investment vehicle held by Daniel Křetínský, controlling shareholder (53%) and Patrik Tkáč (47%). Daniel Křetínský and Patrik Tkáč are long-term investors in the European retail sector, with a 17.52% stake in METRO AG Group and options to increase it to 29.9% or up to 32.71%, as well as a 40% stake in Mall Group, a major e-commerce player in Central and Eastern Europe with revenues exceeding €630 million.

“This acquisition of stake in Casino, Guichard-Perrachon reflects our conviction that it is the best positioned retail group on the French market and one of the European leaders best placed to respond to the profound sector transformations. Thanks to its formats, the strength of its brands and its unique omnichannel positioning, Casino, Guichard-Perrachon has been able to invest in the modernisation of its model. Therefore, we support the Casino Group’s management and fully endorse its long-term strategic vision,” said Mr. Křetínský

For Jean-Charles Naouri, Chairman and CEO of Casino, Guichard-Perrachon, “Mr. Křetínský has extensive experience as an industrial investor, including in the retail sector; his new stake in Casino is further proof of confidence in our ability to innovate and execute. In addition, I will propose to the Board of Directors to submit the appointment of a representative of Vesa Equity Investment to the Board of Directors of Casino, Guichard-Perrachon at the next General Meeting of the Group.”

Mr. Křetínský is a controlling shareholder, Chairman and CEO of Energetický a průmyslový holding, a.s. (EPH), an international group operating in the energy and infrastructure sectors based in the Czech Republic. In addition to serving on several boards of directors of EPH affiliates, he also holds positions in companies not affiliated with EPH, where he holds a majority or controlling interest, including Czech Media Invest, Mall Group or EP Industries. He is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of AC Sparta Praha fotbal.

Mr. Tkáč is Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of J & T Finance Group SE (“JTFG”), an international banking group providing services in private banking, retail and investment banking, asset management and securities trading mainly in Central and Eastern European countries. He is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of J & T Banka a.s. In addition to his activities within JTFG, he holds a significant stake in the J & T Private Equity Group, EP Global Commerce, Czech Media Invest or Mall Group.

The two shareholders continue to hold joint investments in the media (Czech Media Invest) and e-commerce (Mall Group) sectors in several European countries.