Ex-Trade Minister Greg Hands Joining Forces with EP Group
Former minister Greg Hands to consult with Royal Mail following acquisition by Czech billionaire's company
In a twist of events, Greg Hands, the former UK Minister of State for Trade Policy, is jumping ship and joining forces with EP Group, a major private industrial conglomerate based in Prague. This move comes after the acquisition of Royal Mail's parent company by EP Group, led by the enigmatic Czech billionaire, Daniel Křetínský. Hands is set to lend his expertise in international trade, energy policy, and European relations to the EP Group, offering strategic advice on regulatory and market developments in the UK and Germany.[1][2][3]
Who's the Man Behind EP Group?
Known as the "Czech Sphinx," Daniel Křetínský is a renowned business magnate with a diverse investment portfolio spanning energy, infrastructure, logistics, food wholesale, media, and e-commerce. EP Group's latest acquisition of Royal Mail's parent firm, International Distribution Services (IDS), marks a significant milestone—the first foreign ownership of the centuries-old postal service.[5]
EP Group's Many Faces:
- Green Energy: EP Group is deeply committed to providing secure and sustainable energy solutions, with Greg Hands' background in energy policy coming in handy.[2]
- Diversification: The conglomerate has successfully diversified beyond energy into logistics, food wholesale, retail, media, and e-commerce, ensuring a robust and broad portfolio across the UK and Germany.[2]
- Royal Mail Takeover: Ep Group's acquisition of Royal Mail's parent company has placed the group at the forefront of the UK's postal and logistics sector.[5]
Greg Hands' Strategic Impact
With his deep knowledge of the UK and German business landscapes, fluency in German, and familiarity with the Czech market, Greg Hands' role is highly strategic for EP Group's growth in these regions. Hands' advice is expected to aid EP Group in expansion and securing new business opportunities.[5]
In essence, Greg Hands' new role with EP Group represents an exciting step as the company bulldozes its way into the UK and German markets. EP Group's diverse business interests and recent acquisitions, including Royal Mail, position it as a formidable force in European markets, with Daniel Křetínský boldly leading the charge.[5]
Investing in the UK and German markets, Greg Hands will utilize his expertise in international trade, energy policy, and European relations to guide EP Group's investments in stocks and offer strategic advice on regulatory and market developments. PP Group's diversified business interests, spanning from green energy to e-commerce, are poised for expansion with Hands' strategic guidance, particularly in the areas of logistics and postal services following the acquisition of Royal Mail's parent company.
