The billionaire is now the second largest shareholder in the group, behind the German distributor Ceconomy.
Decidedly, Daniel Kretinsky appreciates the French distribution. The Czech businessman has just strengthened his stake in Fnac Darty, of which he took 5% in February. Vesa Equity Investment, which he controls, now holds more than 13% of Fnac Darty’s capital and voting rights. It becomes the group’s second largest shareholder, behind the German Ceconomy Retail International (24%). Fnac Darty specifies that the Czech billionaire has not requested a seat on its board of directors.
In a press release published in February, Vesa Equity Investment explained its entry into the capital of Fnac Darty by its desire to diversify its investment portfolio, especially centered on energy, with “long-term opportunities”. “Fnac Darty enjoys a very strong position on the French market, a solid position in Benelux or in the Iberian Peninsula, and growth opportunities internationally, explained Vesa at the time. We value Fnac Darty’s omnichannel proposition and particularly appreciate the quality of its management, which has demonstrated solid financial discipline and an ability to react to market developments in recent years. »
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The Czech billionaire is used to yo-yoing the capital of French distribution companies. It rose to 12% of the capital of the Casino group, before falling back above 5%, then rising again, last March, beyond 10%. With the AMF, Vesa Equity Investment then requested the appointment of one or more members to Casino’s board of directors. He had also acquired 10% of Maisons du Monde via the Majorelle company, co-owned with Gabriel Naouri, before selling his shares.
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Thursday, Fnac Darty published a turnover down 2.5% in the first quarter. A drop that the group explains by a high comparison base in 2020 and by the inflationary context.