Bratislava, December 16, 2008 – Arca Capital sold its stake in the KASA.cz online store to a strategic investor – the Obchodní dům, a.s. KASA.cz also operates a well-known and popular online store in Slovakia – the HEJ.sk

Arca Capital entered into the KASA.cz in October 2007, with a purchase of a 30% stake. In April of last year, this share was increased by a further 30%. The additional funding was used to finance the development KASA.cz in Central and Eastern Europe, to consolidate the company’s position in the markets in which it already operated and to strengthen its position in new markets. The common goal of Arca Capital and KASA.cz was to develop a strong online merchant, which would be trusted by customers and suppliers alike.

During negotiations on the possible entry of Arca Capital into the Obchodní dům.cz online store, the idea was born for the creation of a holding that would unite the KASA.cz and Obchodní dům.cz. This would allow for faster business development and help achieve the common goals of all concerned parties. Obchodní dům.cz is one of the largest online stores in the Czech Republic as well as being active in Slovakia (Obchodný dom.sk). The idea started to be slowly implemented. In December 2008, the Czech Office for the Protection of Competition (Antimonopoly Office) approved the merger of KASA.cz and Obchodní dům.cz. The new united company, after combining its logistical base, was able to speed up order processing and provide comprehensive and quality customer service based on the long experience of both stores in online e-commerce. The creation of this strategic holding was also the exit point of Arca Capital from the project. The required return on investment in the project was achieved and in a shorter period than was originally anticipated.

Arca Capital Group
Arca Capital is a private equity and real estate group holding which has offices in Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Ukraine and Great Britain. The group invests into companies operating in various sectors, such as food processing, construction, telecommunications, information technology, etc. In Slovakia, the group’s activities are currently focused on development projects. In September 2008, a modern designer furniture store was opened – LIGHTPARK, as well as a residential housing project – HUBICE DVORY. In October of last year, Arca Capital created the first self-governing qualified investor fund in the Czech Republic – the Arca Capital CEE, whose funds will be directed into private equity investments. Today, Arca Capital manages assets totaling more than 125 million EURO and its profile companies employ more than 4,000 people.

For more information contact:
Monika Dobrovodská
Marketing & PR Manager
Arca Capital
Tel.: (+421) 258 253 514
Cell: (+421) 903 771 656
e-mail: dobrovodska@arcacapital.sk
www.arcacapital.sk