Poland-based Emperia Shortlists Four PE Investors for Retail Division

Polish company Emperia has shortlisted four private equity firms for the sale of its retail division. Potential investors include Advent International, Mid Europa Partners, Penta Investments and Doughty Hanson; Tesco and Carrefour are also interested in the acquisition, which is valued at USD 272 mln (PLN 900 mln). The deal follows an attempt by Emperia to sell off its distribution business to wholesale company Eurocash for PLN 926 mln, which failed because regulatory approval fell through.

Emperia Holding (www.emperia.pl)
Emperia was founded in 1990 by Artur Kawa, who remains Chairman of Emperia Holding. Through development and acquisitions, Emperia grew into one of the largest retail chains and wholesale distributors of food and cosmetic products in Poland. Emperia currently owns 6 retail chains, 3 distribution companies and places products in over 50,000 Polish retailers.