Below we take an in-depth look at Daniel Kretinsky’s net worth and business endeavours, with the Czech billionaire now two years into his experience as a major shareholder at West Ham.
Daniel Kretinsky Background
Daniel Kretinsky is the CEO of Energeticky a prumyslovy holding (EPH), a Prague-based joint-stock company and the largest energy group in Central Europe.
Kretinsky owns 94% of the company, making him one of the most influential and powerful figures in the power generation and natural gas industry.
After training to become a lawyer in his formative years, his first venture into the elite sporting world came almost a decade ago, when he purchased a 40% stake in Sparta Prague; he remains chairman and co-owner to this day.
After his lawyer firm J&T founded EPH in 2009 he started as an initial 20% stakeholder. Kretinsky quickly realised just how influential the company could grow to be, and he ceased to be a partner in favour of a 60% stake in EPH, which grew to 94% by 2016 through a series of large-scale acquisitions.
The Czech energy tycoon has since branched out further into elite sports, fashion, the media and even the UK’s Royal Mail – more on that later.
Daniel Kretinsky Net Worth and Assets
The lion’s share of Daniel Kretinsky’s wealth stems from his controlling stake in EPH, but a series of large-scale gambles in the stock market have more than paid dividends.
Over the past year, his net worth has grown considerably from $5.4 billion in 2022, to $9.2 billion according to Forbes. This means he is the 217th wealthiest person in the world, at the time of writing.
EPH, his most profitable asset, has a five-year average profit margin of around €25 million according to the Financial Times, providing Kretinsky with a strong foundation to explore other industries.
He began branching out not long before becoming controlling owner of EPH, first acquiring Czech News Center – one of the nation’s leading media houses. This set in motion a sustained period on investment that is still ongoing today.
We have listed some of his other notable assets below, with almost all of them being acquired through his holding company Vesa Equity Investment Sarl.
- 49% stake in daily French newspaper Le Monde
- 3.05% holding interest in the shares of supermarket chain Sainsbury’s
- 27% stake in West Ham
- 25% stake in Royal Mail – the largest shareholder in the company
Daniel Kretinsky: West Ham Co-Owner and Sparta Prague President
Under Daniel Kretinsky, one of the Czech Republic’s most illustrious clubs Sparta Prague have continued to thrive. Since arriving in 2004, they have lifted five domestic league titles, and as many trophies in the Czech cup.
His successes in his native country largely go unnoticed to the rest of Europe, but his decision to acquire a 27% stake in West Ham two years ago has already resulted in European silverware.
Kretinsky is the second-largest shareholder behind David Sullivan, who has been at the helm since 2010. However, with his long-term business partner and co-owner David Gold sadly passing earlier this year, and Sullivan entering his mid-70’s, suggestions have been made Kretinsky is in it for the long run.
An option is in place for him to acquire the shares owned by Sullivan for an agreed, fixed price, should he wish to sell.
Vanessa Gold, the daughter of former co-owner David, owns a 25.1% stake in the club although 10% has been put up for sale.
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