SeniorGarden reopens modernised retirement home in Chrudim

The retirement home in Chrudim has officially reopened under the SeniorGarden brand following a comprehensive renovation. Operated by the ESG SeniorCARE SICAV investment fund, the updated facility now accommodates 136 residents and offers both long-term residential and short-term respite care, along with on-site staff housing.

The reopening event was attended by local officials, representatives of the fund, project partners, and members of the public. The facility’s redesign includes updated interiors and exteriors, new therapeutic spaces, landscaped gardens, and the integration of digital health monitoring systems.

The SeniorGarden model is based on a care concept that prioritises dignity, a sense of community, and a supportive environment. The approach combines professional expertise with a focus on respectful and person-centred care.

The event featured performances by singers Tereza Mátlová and Elis Ochmanová, and actress Markéta Hrubešová introduced a cookbook created for the SeniorGarden network.

According to Jiří Dušek, a representative of SeniorGarden, the facility aims to provide more than just services. “Dignity, safety, and connection with the wider community are core to our approach,” he said.

The modernisation in Chrudim is part of the ESG SeniorCARE fund’s wider expansion strategy, which includes plans to open a new retirement and follow-up care centre in Pardubice in 2026.

PORR increases free float to 52.6% following share sale by SuP Beteiligungs GmbH

PORR has announced a further increase in its free float to 52.6%, following the sale of 1,175,000 shares by SuP Beteiligungs GmbH. The move comes shortly after PORR successfully placed 1,703,674 treasury shares via an accelerated private placement earlier this week.

SuP Beteiligungs GmbH, a company linked to CEO Karl-Heinz Strauss, confirmed the sale of shares amounting to approximately 2.99% of PORR’s total share capital. As a result, SuP’s individual shareholding has declined to around 11.4%, and the combined stake of the syndicate formed by the main shareholders IGO Industries Group and the Strauss Group has been reduced from 50.4% to approximately 47.4%.

PORR stated that the syndicate agreement between the two principal shareholders remains unchanged.

According to the company, the share placement attracted strong interest from international investors. CEO Karl-Heinz Strauss noted that the timing of the sale was intended to enhance liquidity and improve the stock’s visibility in capital markets. The increase in free float is also expected to support the stock’s eligibility for inclusion in the Austrian blue chip index ATX.

Following the transaction, PORR’s total free float—counting shares held by PORR Management—has risen from 49.6% to 52.6%.

HSF System completes construction of Möbelix store in Prague Čestlice

The international construction company HSF System, part of the PURPOSIA Group, has completed the new Möbelix store in Prague Čestlice, acting as general contractor for both phases of the project. The total construction investment amounts to approximately CZK 470 million, with TBB s.r.o. serving as the project investor.

This marks the second collaboration between HSF System and the Möbelix retail chain, following the expansion of warehouse and sales facilities in Prešov. The company has a history of delivering construction projects for furniture retailers, hobby markets, and shopping centres across both the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

According to Jan Vitvar, Key Account Manager at HSF System, the Čestlice project required a focus on technical quality, efficient construction timelines, and functional design. The building features a two-storey reinforced concrete structure with a lightweight roof cladding system that includes waterproofing, insulation, and profiled sheets. Its façade is made of vertically jointed lightweight steel sandwich panels, and the main entrance is a glazed portal facing the car park. Interior specifications include industrial fibre-reinforced concrete floors, gas condensing boilers, and air conditioning units for heating and cooling.

The project also involved the construction of nearly 20,000 m² of paved surfaces, accommodating parking and operational zones. The new Möbelix store is designed for the retail, storage, and display of furniture and home products. It will also provide services such as customer consultations and online order pickups.

Jindřich Sýkora of TBB s.r.o. noted that the store contributes to the expansion of the commercial zone in Čestlice, a growing area near the D1 motorway. The facility aims to provide a modern shopping environment with additional offerings, including home planning services and 3D visualisation tools for wardrobes and closets.

PSN launches sales of JITRA residential project in Prague’s Vršovice district

PSN has officially launched sales for its newest residential development, JITRA, located at Litevská 8 in the quiet part of Prague’s Vršovice district. The project will feature 144 apartments ranging from studio (1+kk) to five-room (5+kk) layouts, alongside 35 townhouse-style units with private entrances, rooftop gardens, and shared community spaces. Designed to combine high-quality architecture with modern urban comfort, JITRA is set to redefine residential living in this evolving neighbourhood.

Positioned within walking distance of Kubánské náměstí, the project emphasises sustainability, energy efficiency, and community living. According to PSN’s Director of Residential Projects, Jaroslav Macháč, JITRA was conceived to balance urban vitality with privacy and tranquility. “From the beginning, our goal was to create a residential space that is both sustainable and in harmony with its surroundings. With QARTA Architektura’s precision and vision, we are confident that JITRA will become a truly special place to live,” Macháč said.

The development includes a diverse selection of units to suit a wide range of lifestyles. Compact apartments cater to individuals and young couples, while the townhouses—complete with private front gardens and rooftop terraces—offer an alternative for families seeking more personal space within the city.

JITRA also provides a range of thoughtfully designed shared amenities. These include a communal rooftop terrace, wellness area with sauna, fitness centre, bicycle storage, and a shared laundry room, all designed to foster both convenience and a sense of community among residents.

The architectural concept, created by QARTA Architektura, reflects a careful balance between modern design and respect for the surrounding built environment. The new development is crafted to integrate seamlessly with existing buildings in Vršovice, while offering residents a visually appealing and functional living space. Most units will feature private outdoor areas such as balconies, loggias, or terraces, many of which face a quiet inner courtyard.

Commenting on the project, Jiří Řezák of QARTA Architektura noted, “We wanted to create a development that respects the spirit of Vršovice while delivering high living standards. Through careful urban planning, attention to functionality, and sustainable solutions, we believe JITRA will add long-term value to the area.”

With its combination of modern living standards, thoughtful design, and a strong sense of place, JITRA is poised to become a key residential address in Prague’s inner city.

BILLA and Gebrüder Weiss to open new facilities in GARBE PARK České Budějovice

International supermarket chain BILLA and Austrian logistics provider Gebrüder Weiss are set to open new branches at GARBE PARK České Budějovice in the coming months. The additions include a 1,500 sqm logistics centre and a retail supermarket, expanding the tenant mix at the park, which already houses companies such as HAUSER, Taconova, and NOBO Automotive.

Martin Polák, Director for Central and Eastern Europe at GARBE, welcomed the new arrivals, noting that their presence underscores the park’s appeal. “The interest from such well-known tenants confirms the attractiveness of GARBE PARK, which benefits from a strategic location and excellent transport accessibility. It is particularly suited to logistics and retail operations,” he said.

The developer is also preparing an additional 200,000 sqm of land for future expansion and holds a building permit for a second hall of nearly 19,000 sqm. This new space can be delivered within eight months of signing a binding agreement and is designed for light industrial production, logistics, or e-commerce use.

BILLA’s presence marks the first retail lease in the history of GARBE’s industrial parks. According to Veronika Zacha, Head of Business Development CZ at GARBE, the supermarket will not only serve employees within the industrial park but also residents of Boršov nad Vltavou and neighbouring communities.

GARBE PARK České Budějovice is located just 2 km from the planned D3 motorway, which will connect Prague with the Austrian border via Tábor and České Budějovice. In addition to excellent motorway access, the site also benefits from proximity to České Budějovice airport. The project prioritises sustainability, low operating costs, and energy efficiency, and plans for a new public bus stop are also part of the broader site development.

ČEZ to expand charging network to over 1,000 stations by year-end

ČEZ, the Czech energy company, is set to expand its public electric vehicle charging network to over 1,000 stations by the end of 2025. The company currently operates 900 charging stands, with the latest installation—a 360 kW ultra-fast charger—now active at a new hub located at the Invelt BMW site in Prague’s Stodůlky district. The site includes nine additional chargers, creating a comprehensive charging facility for electric vehicle users.

According to Pavel Cyrani, Vice-Chairman of the ČEZ Board of Directors, the company is installing charging infrastructure at a pace of nearly 200 stations per year. Current efforts are focused on building larger hubs that offer multiple ultra-fast charging options. ČEZ plans to operate 40 such hubs—each with at least three ultra-fast chargers—by the end of the year.

So far in 2025, 60 new charging stands have been brought online, with a total of 180 expected to be operational before year’s end. Once completed, this will bring the total number of ČEZ-branded charging stations across the Czech Republic to over 1,000.

Ultra-fast chargers—defined as those delivering more than 150 kW of power—make up approximately 15% of the ČEZ network, while around 85% of the stations are capable of delivering at least 50 kW.

Tomáš Chmelík, who oversees the implementation and operation of ČEZ charging infrastructure, stated that electric vehicle drivers are expected to draw more than 12 million kilowatt-hours of certified green electricity from ČEZ stations this year. The average amount of electricity consumed per charging session has also risen by over 10% year-on-year, now reaching 23 kWh per session.

Source: CTK

Industrial orders in Slovakia decline slightly in April 2025

In April 2025, the value of new industrial orders in Slovakia fell by 0.8% year-on-year, reaching EUR 5.66 billion. This marks the first annual decline in new orders this year, following three consecutive months of growth. However, when adjusted for seasonal effects, orders increased by 1.8% compared to March 2025.

The annual decrease was recorded in seven out of twelve industrial sectors monitored monthly. Key contributors to the decline included significant drops in the manufacture of metal structures excluding machinery and equipment (down 22.9%), electrical equipment (down 25.4%), and chemicals and chemical products (down 12.7%).

Despite these declines, some segments continued to show growth. Orders in the manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers, and semi-trailers increased by 4.1% year-on-year, representing the strongest positive contributor to overall performance. Additional gains were seen in the manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products (up 21.8%) and in the manufacture and processing of metals (up 8.5%). Nonetheless, these gains were not sufficient to offset the broader downturn in the industrial sector for the month.

Poles prioritize health spending as healthcare sector sees debt decline

In 2025, a growing number of Poles are choosing not to cut back on health-related expenses, with 61% reporting satisfaction with their overall health. A recent study commissioned by BIG InfoMonitor revealed that 14% of respondents plan to increase their spending on specialist visits, health-focused diets, and physical fitness. This is nearly matched by the 16% who intend to reduce their health expenditures, while almost half (48%) aim to maintain spending levels from the previous year.

The trend is particularly visible among older adults aged 65 and above (20%) and younger adults between 25 and 34 (17%), while the average across other age groups stands at around 12%. Regional differences are also notable, with the highest intent to increase spending observed in the Łódź (25%), Silesian (20%), Lower Silesian, and Lubusz (17%) voivodeships. The lowest levels were seen in Podlaskie (4%), West Pomeranian (5%), and Opole (6%).

Alongside this shift in consumer behavior, the financial condition of healthcare institutions has improved. According to data from BIG InfoMonitor and the BIK credit database, the total amount of outstanding debt among private healthcare providers decreased by PLN 35.4 million (6%) in the latest reporting period. The number of entities with unresolved debts also dropped by 91. By contrast, the previous year had seen a PLN 53.4 million increase in arrears and 71 more institutions facing financial difficulties.

As of the end of April 2025, private healthcare debt stood at over PLN 560 million, affecting 4,108 entities. The most notable reductions in debt were recorded among hospitals (down 33% to PLN 34 million), dental practices (down nearly 16% to PLN 79.1 million), and specialist medical practices (down 14% to PLN 133.6 million). Physiotherapy clinics, however, saw their debts increase by 25%, reaching nearly PLN 119 million.

Regionally, the sharpest declines in healthcare sector debt occurred in the Lublin voivodeship (down 53% to PLN 20.2 million), Łódź (down 45% to PLN 35.2 million), and Małopolska (down 29% to PLN 36.2 million). In contrast, the largest increases were observed in Mazowieckie (up 32% to PLN 174.2 million), Warmińsko-Mazurskie (up 12% to PLN 9.3 million), and Świętokrzyskie (up 11% to PLN 8.8 million).

The increase in health-related spending is driven by multiple factors, including an ageing population, rising demand for medical services, technological advances in diagnostics and treatment, and improved public awareness of health and wellness. According to Dr. Waldemar Rogowski, Chief Analyst at BIG InfoMonitor, the financial outlook for the healthcare sector is improving, supported by a more engaged population and increased willingness to invest in private care.

Despite growing demand and costs, Poles remain largely positive about their health. A CBOS survey showed that 61% rated their health as at least good, while 29% described it as average, and only 10% considered it poor. Compared to 2016, there has been a noticeable improvement in self-perceived health, with satisfaction rising by six percentage points.

The majority of healthcare providers listed in the BIG InfoMonitor register fall under private ownership or operate as limited liability companies. These include general and specialist medical practices, dental clinics, hospitals, and physiotherapy centers. As health awareness and spending continue to grow, the sector appears poised for further financial stabilization.

Growth continues in Poland’s non-bank loan market in May 2025

The Polish non-bank loan market showed continued growth in May 2025, driven by increased activity across both cash and installment loan segments. The sector remains characterized by two primary product categories: cash loans, which provide direct funds for any use, and installment loans, which are typically granted for specific purchases.

Within the cash loan segment, two subcategories are evident—short-term loans of up to 60 days and long-term loans extending beyond 60 days. In May 2025, the average value of short-term cash loans rose to PLN 2,673, marking a 13.2% year-on-year increase. The total value of these loans reached PLN 1.13 billion, up 28.4% from May 2024. A total of 468,000 loans were issued in this category, a 13.7% rise compared to the same period last year. Short-term cash loans accounted for 73.6% of the total value and 87.5% of the number of all cash loans issued during the month.

For cash loans exceeding 60 days, the average loan value rose to PLN 6,089—8.8% higher than in May 2024. A total of 67,000 such loans were granted, amounting to PLN 406 million in value. Compared to the previous year, this represents a 2.5% increase in the number of loans issued and an 11.7% rise in total value.

The installment loan segment, defined by loans granted for specific purchases rather than direct cash disbursement, also recorded notable growth. The average value of a new installment loan in May 2025 was PLN 654, a 9.0% decrease from the previous year, reflecting a shift toward smaller loan amounts. However, the number of installment loans granted rose by 28.8% year-on-year, totaling 930,000 contracts, with a combined value of PLN 608 million—up 17.1% from May 2024.

As in previous months, installment loans dominated the market by number, while cash loans made up the majority of the total loan value. This pattern continues to define the structure of the Polish non-bank lending sector.

Over the first five months of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, the market saw a 17.3% increase in the number of cash loans with terms up to 60 days, a 17.5% increase in long-term cash loans, and a 23.3% rise in installment loans. In terms of value, short-term cash loans grew by 31.6%, long-term loans by 28.0%, and installment loans by 15.4%, indicating broad-based growth across all categories. These results reflect the ongoing expansion and demand within Poland’s non-bank loan sector.

Source: BIK

CTP to develop 9,500 sqm production facility for DEHN at CTPark Pitești

CTP has signed a long-term agreement with German technology company DEHN to develop a 9,500 sqm production facility at CTPark Pitești in Southern Romania. Construction is scheduled to begin this summer, with delivery expected in the second quarter of 2026.

This marks DEHN’s first production unit in Romania. The facility will be custom-built and integrated into DEHN’s broader international production network. The project is intended to support the company’s supply operations to Germany and strengthen its presence in European markets.

DEHN, headquartered in Neumarkt, Germany, specializes in electrical engineering solutions for infrastructure protection, including lightning and surge protection, as well as safety equipment. The company distributes more than 4,000 products across over 70 countries and employs more than 2,500 people globally.

The Pitești location was selected for its access to the A1/E70 motorway, its proximity to Romania’s automotive and technology clusters, and the availability of skilled labour. The facility is being developed through CTP’s integrated platform, which covers land acquisition, permitting, construction, and long-term property management. CBRE Romania brokered the transaction.

The new production unit reflects DEHN’s broader strategy to expand manufacturing capabilities in key European locations and improve supply chain resilience. Romania’s growing appeal as a nearshoring destination is supported by its technical workforce, English proficiency, and integration with EU infrastructure networks.

CTP remains the largest developer and owner of industrial and logistics real estate in Romania, with over 3 million sqm of space across cities such as Bucharest, Timișoara, Brașov, Sibiu, and Cluj-Napoca.

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