Czech Billionaire Kretinsky Eyes German Utility Uniper Purchase
FRANKFURT/PRAGUE (Reuters) - Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky's energy holding company EPH is among potential bidders being considered by Berlin for the sale of German state-owned utility Uniper, sources familiar with the matter said.
Berlin is exploring options for divesting its 99.12% stake in Uniper, including a partial or full sale. The sale, estimated at a current valuation of 19 billion euros ($19.6 billion), is anticipated to be finalized in 2025.
Uniper was nationalized in 2022 amid Europe's energy crisis.
EPH, majority-owned by Kretinsky's investment vehicle EPCG, is "part of the process," according to one source who requested anonymity due to the confidential nature of the talks.
Representatives from EPH and Uniper declined to comment. Germany's Finance Ministry, responsible for overseeing Berlin's stake, did not provide an immediate response.