EP

The story of EP in France is less about a startup and more about a strategic acquisition by a major European player. The entity known as EP France is a chapter in the larger story of EP Group, an industrial conglomerate founded by Czech businessman Daniel Křetínský. EP Group operates across Europe in sectors like energy, media, and real estate. Its major move in France came through the acquisition of the struggling retail giant Groupe Casino. In 2023, a consortium including EP Group, Fimalac, and Attestor stepped in to rescue the indebted French retailer. This financial restructuring involved a significant equity injection of €1.2 billion and a massive debt reduction of €6.1 billion. The deal positioned a special purpose vehicle controlled by Křetínský's EP Equity Investment III as the new head of Casino Group. The transaction received authorization from the European Commission in early 2024, solidifying the change of control. This strategic maneuver placed a significant portion of French retail, including well-known brands like Monoprix, under the influence of Křetínský's expanding European portfolio, marking a significant event in the French and European retail landscape.