VLTAVA-LABE-PRESS has been acquired by Penta Investments

Verlagsgruppe Passau GmbH (VGP) has sold VLTAVA-LABE-PRESS (VLP) to Penta Investments. Financial details have not been disclosed.

VLP is a leading Czech media group that specializes in publishing (Deník daily, Astrosat magazines) online, printing and distribution (Česká distribuční). Deník, daily with regional content and nationwide coverage, is one of the top 3 Czech dailies in terms of circulation and number of readers, having the highest subscription rate and number of unique readers. Astrosat Media is the biggest magazine publisher in the Czech Republic.

Penta Investments is a Central European investment group founded in 1994, specializing in long-term value investing. The group actively develops companies and projects primarily in healthcare, financial services, retail, manufacturing, media and real estate. Penta is one of the largest employers in the region and provides jobs to more than 37,000 people. It is is active on more than ten markets throughout Europe and has offices in Prague, Bratislava, Warsaw and Munich. The group owns assets valued at over US$7 billion and focuses on business opportunities where its professional abilities can be leveraged.

VGP is one of Europe's largest publishers of regional daily newspapers, with operations in Germany (Passauer Neue Presse GmbH) and Poland (Polska Press S.p.z.o.o). Every week, VGP reaches more than nine million readers with a print-run totaling 4.9 million.

Oaklins' team in the Czech Republic advised the seller in this transaction. The team created a very competitive environment and finally led intensive price negotiations with Penta Investments and CNC. After achieving premium valuation which exceeded the price expectations of the client, the transaction was successfully closed.