Kaprain buys Uni Hobby chain in deal estimated at up to $240M
What's the deal? Czech investment group Kaprain, founded by entrepreneur Karel Pražák, is acquiring the Uni HobbyDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → chain of DIY stores from Jiří Šimáně's UnimexDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → group. The transaction, announced in October 2026, is under review by the Office for the Protection of Competition (ÚOHS). The price was not disclosed.
What's being bought? Kaprain is purchasing two companies: Uni Hobby itself and UH Stores, into which Unimex is placing the properties where the 11-store chain operates. The deal covers both the retail business and its real estate.
Why now? The purchase caps talks first reported in June, followed by a move to separate Uni Hobby's store properties from Unimex's real-estate fund. It fits Kaprain's retail and property focus as Unimex continues to divest assets after the sale of SmartwingsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →.
By the numbers: Uni Hobby reported 2025 revenue of CZK 3.57 billion and net profit of CZK 261 million. Earlier media estimates put the combined deal at roughly CZK 3–5 billion, though no figure has been confirmed.
Founded in 2013, Kaprain spans six areas — industry, real estate, sport and entertainment, finance, retail, and media. It employs nearly 6,000 people and holds assets worth more than CZK 50 billion.
The ÚOHS said the merger concerns "retail sale of products in the 'Do it Yourself' category," spanning wood, electrical materials, paints, tools, sanitary goods, and garden supplies. The regulator is assessing the deal in simplified proceedings and will rule within 20 days.
The signal: The deal hands Kaprain a profitable retailer plus valuable property, just as established DIY chains face fresh competition — Malaysia's MR.D.I.Y. has opened its first Czech store and plans further expansion. The disclosed terms do not yet point to a major shift in market structure.
Read more: e15.cz
Image credit: Generated with Gemini
