EP Group Launches Takeover Bid for Fnac Darty, Valuing the Company at €1.1 Billion
The EP Group, owned by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretínsky, has made a significant move in the retail industry by launching a takeover bid for Fnac Darty, a leading European retailer of cultural products, consumer electronics, and household appliances. The bid values Fnac Darty at approximately €1.1 billion. According to Fnac Darty, EP Group, which already holds a 28.5% stake in the company through its subsidiary Vesa Equity Investment, has offered to acquire the remaining shares.
Details of the Takeover Bid
EP Group has offered to pay €36 per share for Fnac Darty, representing a 19% premium to the company’s recent market close. Additionally, the group will pay €81.09 per share for Oceanes. The board of directors of Fnac Darty has responded positively to the proposal and has appointed an independent expert to assess the fairness of the offer. Following the announcement, Fnac Darty’s shares surged 16.86% on the Euronext stock exchange, reaching €35.35 per share.
EP Group has assured that it will maintain the company’s current dividend policy and accelerate the implementation of Fnac Darty’s existing strategy. The acquisition is expected to be completed if EP Group’s shareholding in Fnac Darty exceeds 50%. As a partner of Eroski in Caprabo, EP Group has a significant presence in the retail industry. The company has stated that it will not modify the dividend policy and will work to accelerate the strategy already outlined by Fnac Darty.
Fnac Darty’s Financial Performance
Fnac Darty reported a turnover of €10.329 billion in 2025, representing a 0.1% increase in absolute terms and 0.7% in comparable terms. The company’s operating income reached €203.1 million, a 1.3% increase in declared figures and 1.2% in comparable figures. Fnac Darty has also reported a free cash flow of €145 million, in line with the previous year, excluding divestments made in the first half of 2024.
As a leading European retailer, Fnac Darty has a strong presence in 14 countries, with over 1,500 stores and a growing number of subscribers to its services. The company has been working to expand its omnichannel retail model, which combines online and offline sales channels. With its strategic plan “Beyond everyday,” Fnac Darty aims to deepen its focus on services and circularity.
Independent Expert Appointment and Next Steps
Ledouble, represented by Agnès Piniot, has been appointed as an independent expert to prepare a report on the fairness of the financial conditions of the offer. The board of directors will issue a reasoned opinion on the proposal, which will be made public in due course. Jacques Veyrat, Chairman of the Board of Directors, stated that the board has welcomed the offer and will work to issue its opinion in the best interests of all stakeholders.
Enrique Martínez, CEO of Fnac Darty, noted that the company has built a relationship of trust with EP Group over the years, which has allowed them to complete the acquisition of Unieuro. Martínez welcomed the project, stating that it shows renewed support for the company’s long-term strategy. For more information on this development, please visit Here
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