WP Holding, the parent company of popular Polish platforms such as Wakacje.pl and Nocowanie.pl, has announced its acquisition of 100% shares in Invia Group SE, a major player in the European tourism industry. Invia Group operates in several markets, including Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland, and manages renowned brands like Ab-in-den-Urlaub.de, Fluege.de, and Travelplanet.pl.
The acquisition, valued at over 1 billion złoty, positions WP Holding as a prominent player in the tourism industry, with operations spanning nine European markets. The deal, once finalized, will make it the largest foreign investment by a Polish private company in Germany and the fifth-largest international merger or acquisition (M&A) in Polish business history.
Expanding Market Influence
Invia Group SE reported revenues of €183 million in 2023, serving over 2 million travelers. With a service portfolio valued at €2.5 billion, the acquisition is expected to strengthen WP Holding’s position in the rapidly growing European tourism market, which is estimated to be worth approximately €600 billion.
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“This is a pivotal moment for WP Holding. For the first time, the majority of our revenue and profits will come from tourism activities,” said Jacek Świderski, CEO of WP Holding. He emphasized the strategic importance of the deal, noting that access to Western European markets and the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region’s growth potential will establish the company as one of Europe’s largest tourism groups.
Regulatory Approvals Pending
The deal is subject to regulatory approval by the Polish Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) and a Chinese regulatory body. The current owners of Invia Group, CITIC Europe Holding and Rockaway Capital, have agreed to the transaction, though the final purchase price may vary depending on Invia’s financial position at the time of closing.
Świderski expressed confidence in the transaction’s approval, highlighting its importance not only to WP Holding but also to the broader perception of Polish private companies on the global stage.
Strengthening Poland’s Role in Tourism
The acquisition demonstrates the growing influence of Polish companies in international markets and their ability to compete with global players. As the tourism sector continues to recover and expand, WP Holding is poised to capitalize on rising demand for travel solutions, both domestic and international.
This historic move marks a significant step for WP Holding, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the tourism industry while underscoring the potential of Polish enterprises to drive innovation and growth in competitive global markets.
