Wirtualna Polska's Billion-Zloty Acquisition of Invia Group
Deal News | Jan 13, 2025 | CEE Legal Matters
Wirtualna Polska, a leading Polish internet portal and digital publisher, has fortified its position in the travel industry with the acquisition of the Invia Group from European Bridge Travel. The deal, valued at over PLN 1 billion (approximately EUR 239.7 million), is currently pending regulatory approval. The acquisition was facilitated by White & Case LLP for Wirtualna Polska, while Clifford Chance represented European Bridge Travel and its investors. Invia Group is a prominent player in Central European travel, operating across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary, with Travelplanet.pl being its Polish arm. The transaction involves Rockaway Group and CITIC Europe Holdings, acting as guarantors for the seller's obligations.
Sectors
- Travel and Tourism
- Legal Services
Geography
- Poland – Wirtualna Polska, headquartered in Poland, is the acquiring company.
- Central Europe – The Invia Group operates package holiday booking platforms in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary.
Industry
- Travel and Tourism – The Invia Group operates in the package holiday booking platforms across several European countries.
- Legal Services – Legal advisory was provided by White & Case and Clifford Chance for the acquisition deal.
Financials
- PLN 1 billion (EUR 239.7 million) – The acquisition value of the Invia Group by Wirtualna Polska.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wirtualna Polska | Acquirer | Company | A leading Polish internet portal and digital publisher. |
| Invia Group | Target Company | Company | Operates travel booking platforms in Central Europe. |
| European Bridge Travel | Vendor | Company | Current owner of the Invia Group, selling the entity to Wirtualna Polska. |
| Rockaway Group | Guarantor | Company | Acts as a guarantor for European Bridge Travel's obligations in the transaction. |
| CITIC Europe Holdings | Guarantor | Company | Acts as a guarantor for European Bridge Travel's obligations in the transaction. |
| White & Case | Legal Advisor to Wirtualna Polska | Company | Provided legal services to Wirtualna Polska in the acquisition. |
| Clifford Chance | Legal Advisor to European Bridge Travel | Company | Provided legal services to European Bridge Travel and its shareholders. |