Tesco explores sale of Central European stores, hires banks
British retailer Tesco plc is assessing the sale of its Central European business, which includes operations in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. The potential transaction would mark the chain's exit from continental Europe and complete a strategic shift toward its home market in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Tesco has engaged investment banks Citigroup and Goldman Sachs to advise on the deal. The Central European division runs 561 stores and employs more than 22,000 people. In the 2025/2026 financial year the region generated roughly £4.5 billion in revenue. The Czech and Slovak units together comprise 363 stores, while the Hungarian unit adds 198 stores. The Czech business, with about 7,000 staff, recorded €1.6 billion in sales last year and is projected to increase by €200 million this year. The Slovak operation generated €1.7 billion in revenue, with operating profit expected to fall to €100 million from €120 million.
The speculation was first reported by the Financial Times in early July. The announcement did not move Tesco's share price, and the company has declined to comment on the rumours.
Entities: Citigroup Inc. · Czech Trade and Tourism Association · Financial Times · Goldman Sachs Group Inc. · Tesco PLC · Tomáš Prouza
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Tesco's share price did not move after the Financial Times article about the possible sale. (Interview with Tomáš Prouza cited by Blesk)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Slovak operation generated €1.7 billion in revenue, with operating profit projected to fall to €100 million from €120 million. (Mergermarket report cited by e15.cz)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Tesco's Central European operations generated about £4.5 billion in revenue in FY 2025/2026. (SITA articles)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Czech and Slovak markets together comprise 363 stores, while Hungary has 198 stores. (Mergermarket report cited by e15.cz)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Tesco is exploring the sale of its Central European operations in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. (All articles)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Tesco has hired Citigroup and Goldman Sachs to advise on the potential sale. (e15.cz article)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Central European division operates 561 stores and employs over 22,000 people. (SITA and Financial Times reports)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Czech business employs roughly 7,000 people and earned €1.6 billion last year, expected to rise by €200 million this year. (Mergermarket report cited by e15.cz)