Babiš's Hartenberg expands empire, buys stake in men's fashion brand

Hartenberg Holding, an investment group linked to former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, is expanding its business portfolio with the acquisition of a significant stake in a European fashion brand. Enterstore, a subsidiary of Hartenberg Holding, has purchased an 80% share in Joe Merino, a Dutch company specializing in men's fashion.

The deal was confirmed by Hartenberg Capital, one of the three partners within Hartenberg Holding. While the specific financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed, the acquisition signals Hartenberg's strategic move into the fashion retail sector.

Joe Merino is known for its focus on men's apparel, and this investment by Hartenberg Holding suggests a belief in the brand's potential for growth. The expansion into international markets, specifically the Netherlands, indicates a broader ambition for the holding company's ventures beyond its traditional areas of operation.