TA3 Investment Conference: Energy of the Future
At the “Energy of the Future” conference, hosted by Slovak television TA3 on 25 May 2025, leading energy experts gathered to discuss the outlook for energy prices, energy investment, and energy security across the EU. Martin Pacovský, Chief Investment Officer at ARETE for the ENERGY TRANSITION strategy, was a guest speaker in the opening panel discussion. In his remarks, he focused on two key points: Why he sees natural gas as a critical component of modern energy generation Why investing in flexibility within the energy grid is essential You can watch the full recording of the panel discussion here: Investiční konference TA3 Energie budoucnosti The new ARETE ENERGY TRANSITION fund is built, among other things, on investments in flexible energy sources. The fund will primarily invest in flexible electricity and heat generation based on natural gas, with additional allocations to battery storage systems and renewable energy projects, especially across Central and Western European markets. Over the next four years, the ARETE ENERGY TRANSITION fund plans to invest CZK 5 billion, targeting an annual return of 11–12%.
ARETE Launches New Fund Focused on Flexible Energy Targeting CZK 5 Billion and an Annual Return of 11–12%
Prague, May 20, 2025 | Central European asset manager ARETE has launched a new investment fund, ARETE ENERGY TRANSITION, focused on strategic investments in flexible energy sources — a key pillar of the transformation of the European energy market. The fund will primarily invest in flexible electricity and heat generation based on natural gas, with additional allocations to battery storage systems and renewable energy projects, especially across Central and Western European markets. Over the next four years, the ARETE ENERGY TRANSITION fund plans to invest CZK 5 billion, targeting an annual return of 11–12%. “Energy flexibility is becoming absolutely critical for stable energy delivery, especially as Europe rapidly expands its renewable energy capacity,” said Martin Pacovský, Chief Investment Officer of ARETE Energy Transition. “We want to offer investors the opportunity to participate in the growth of a sector that will be essential to Europe’s future energy security and decarbonization goals,” he added. Investment activities will focus primarily on the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Germany, and Italy. First project The fund’s first potential acquisition is a combined heat and power plant in Poland. With an installed capacity of 6 MW, the facility supplies electricity and heat to more than 5,000 customers. Thanks to modern technology, it enables highly flexible electricity production during peak pricing periods. “This project perfectly illustrates the type of assets we aim to develop further. The combination of flexible generation and stable, regulated revenues is the core of our strategy,” added Pacovský. In total, the fund plans to invest approximately CZK 5 billion into energy projects over four years. Target Returns and Investment Horizon The fund will utilize conservative bank financing, targeting an annual return of 11–12%. The minimum investment horizon is four years, with investment shares available in Czech koruna or euros. The fund is open to qualified investors, with share classes ranging from CZK 1 million, or EUR 50,000. For more information, please contact:Martin Moc, PR ConsultantTel: +420 724 724 280 Email: moc@prmoc.net About ARETE: ARETE Group has been a professional asset manager since 2014, delivering tailored investment solutions to institutional and qualified investors through two distinct strategies focused on real estate and the energy transition. The foundation of ARETE’s investment approach lies in the disciplined structuring and management of investment cycles across all assets and products. The Group’s strong track record includes two closed-ended investment funds, both fully exited with above-market returns. ARETE currently manages the ARETE INDUSTRIAL fund, which targets high-quality industrial real estate investments, and the recently launched ARETE ENERGY TRANSITION fund, focused primarily on investments in flexible energy sources. Both funds are open exclusively to qualified investors. For more information, visit www.arete.eu.
Europe’s Energy Transition: An Opportunity for Smart Investors
Europe’s energy sector is undergoing a transformation, and investors are seeking new ways to grow their capital. In the latest issue of Euro weekly, Martin Pacovský, Chief Investment Officer for the Energy Transition strategy at ARETE, explains why flexibility is key. The rapid growth of renewable energy brings both opportunities and challenges — especially when it is not supported by flexible generation capacities and battery storage. Without these, the profitability of energy investments and the stability of supply decrease. At ARETE, we are preparing to launch the new ARETE Energy Transition Fund, targeting a combination of renewable energy, flexible generation, and battery storage projects across the EU. The fund aims for a stable annual return of 11–12% and plans to invest over CZK 5 billion in its initial phase. It will be open to qualified investors, with investments starting this May. A key point is that the fund will not focus solely on production volume but on the ability of projects to adapt smartly to changing market conditions. Flexibility has now become the primary driver of predictable cash flow and efficient returns in the energy sector.
ARETE Participated in a Record-Breaking National Food Drive, Bringing Hope to Those in Need
During the nationwide Food Drive, held annually since 2013, volunteers in green aprons assist donors with handing over non-perishable food and hygiene items at supermarket checkout areas. This act of solidarity has gradually become one of the largest charity events in the Czech Republic, made possible thanks to thousands of volunteers and support from partners across the country. Every donation — from a pack of pasta to baby food — is delivered via food banks to those who need it most. In the spring edition of the Food Drive held on April 26, 2025, the Czech public demonstrated unprecedented generosity. In just one day, donors contributed 464 tons of food and 54 tons of basic hygiene items — a record-breaking total of 518 tons of aid, equivalent to approximately 928,000 meals for people in need. The donated supplies provide vital relief for single-parent families, abandoned seniors, people experiencing homelessness, and other vulnerable groups. At the same time, the campaign helps reduce food waste by collecting goods that might otherwise go unused. ARETE and Raben Logistics Get Involved This year, employees and collaborators from the ARETE Group took an active part in the corporate collection — both in person at the office and through online donations. Their enthusiasm and personal commitment reflect ARETE’s corporate values and its broader commitment to social responsibility. The initiative was further supported by a financial contribution from the ARETE Group to the Food Bank, effectively doubling the total value of the donated aid. In line with its sustainability strategy, the ARETE Industrial Fund supports the development of local communities and volunteering — goals that are advanced through participation in local food drives. The main logistics partner of the campaign — for the tenth year in a row — is Raben Logistics Czech, which is also a long-term tenant in one of the industrial parks of the ARETE Industrial Fund. Raben provides comprehensive logistics services to businesses and industries and plays a key role in the success of this charitable initiative by ensuring collection and delivery of donated goods to regional food banks across the country. Thanks to Raben’s professional logistics network, 40 tons of aid were efficiently distributed across seven regions. “Once again, we’re seeing that people care about the wellbeing of others and want to help. We’re grateful to be part of an initiative like the Food Drive and help people in need live better lives,” said Jitka Kocálová, Marketing Manager at Raben Logistics Czech. At ARETE, we are proud that our employees and partners contributed to this meaningful project. The success of this year’s campaign — a 10% increase in donated food by weight compared to last year — confirms that when companies and the public unite, the impact is truly powerful.
Natural Gas & Renewables: Striking the Right Balance in Energy Transition
In his latest interview for Euro Platinum, the first issue of Euro weekly’s premium edition, Martin Pacovský, Chief Investment Officer for the Energy Transition strategy at ARETE, shares key insights on the future of energy infrastructure investments. According to Martin, decarbonization represents the most significant societal shift since the Industrial Revolution, unlocking tremendous investment opportunities. The EU alone plans to invest €1.3 trillion into energy infrastructure by 2030. This transformation will reshape the energy mix and grid stability. While electricity demand continues to rise, Europe is experiencing a solar energy surplus, leading to negative electricity prices and grid instability. Wind energy offers greater stability, yet extended periods without wind remain a challenge. As a result, we can expect a resurgence in the role of natural gas. Flexible gas-fired power plants will be critical to ensuring energy security and balancing intermittent renewables. While natural gas is not carbon-neutral, its global availability makes it a pragmatic solution for supporting Europe’s energy transition. At ARETE, we are launching a new investment fund, ARETE Energy Transition, dedicated exclusively to energy transition – focusing on renewables, flexible generation, and energy storage solutions. We will offer investors an attractive return potential while maintaining an acceptable level of risk and liquidity.
ARETE INDUSTRIAL Fund Reduces Energy Footprint of its Portfolio with Solar Power
The investment portfolio of the ARETE INDUSTRIAL fund consists of twelve industrial parks, including ARETE Park Valašské Meziříčí. This park is equipped with a solar power plant that supplies clean energy to its tenant, with excess electricity fed into the distribution grid. The park also features EV charging stations for DB Schenker’s electric truck fleet. The implementation of solar power at ARETE Park Valašské Meziříčí highlights the fund’s efforts to reduce energy footprint across its assets, ensuring more cost-effective and sustainable operations throughout its portfolio. The second phase of solar power plant installation at the logistics park in Valašské Meziříčí has been completed. Photovoltaic panels with a total capacity of nearly 1 MW have been installed on the rooftops of two buildings, increasing the original capacity by 50%. The plant is connected to the transmission system and generates up to 950 MWh of clean energy annually, supplying power to the park’s tenant while selling any surplus electricity to the grid. Each MWh of solar-generated electricity prevents the release of 370 kg of CO₂ into the atmosphere, based on the current average emission factor of electricity in the Czech Republic (370 kg CO₂/MWh). Annually, the park’s solar energy production prevents approximately 351.5 tons of CO₂ emissions from being released into the atmosphere. This reduced carbon footprint is equivalent to the emissions produced by 320 Czech households from electricity consumption alone. ARETE Park Valašské Meziříčí spans over 25,000 m² of premium industrial space and is fully leased to DB Schenker, a leading global logistics provider specializing in international freight and integrated supply chain solutions. As part of its collaboration with DB Schenker, the park is equipped with EV charging stations for VOLVO FH AERO Electric trucks, which are used on regular international routes to Hungary. Charging stations have been installed at DB Schenker’s terminals across the Czech Republic (including Valašské Meziříčí, Brno, and Prague) and Slovakia (Bratislava) to support overnight charging or en route charging to the final destination. These electric trucks offer high flexibility, maneuverability, and durability, while their quiet operation and minimal emissions contribute to more efficient and environmentally friendly transportation. Featuring advanced technology, these vehicles provide a comfortable and intuitive driving experience, which drivers consider a prestigious reward for their work. “We always strive to support our tenants and adapt our industrial parks to best meet their needs,” says Lubor Svoboda, co-founder of ARETE Group. “The implementation of solar power and EV charging stations in this park is an excellent example of our collaboration with DB Schenker, a company that prioritizes sustainability and energy self-sufficiency—values that align closely with our group’s ESG strategy,” he adds. ARETE Park Valašské Meziříčí is part of the portfolio of the ARETE INDUSTRIAL fund with total assets under management of €310 million. ARETE INDUSTRIAL is among the first “light green” real estate funds in Central Europe, classified under the European SFDR regulation. Alongside the continued growth of its portfolio and value, ARETE investment group is actively preparing to expand its activities with additional funds focused on yield-generating assets.
Robert Ides for The Edge Singapore: Private Equity Real Estate Gains Momentum
We at ARETE are thrilled to be among the first firms featured in The Edge Singapore’s newly introduced private equity column, highlighting the evolving landscape of private real estate investments. In an exclusive interview, our Managing Partner Robert Ides shares his expert perspective on why private equity real estate is becoming an increasingly attractive asset class for global investors. He discusses the fundamentals driving demand, the importance of strategic portfolio positioning, and how ARETE navigates shifting market dynamics to deliver strong, risk-adjusted returns. What are the key takeaways from the interview? • Real estate remains a resilient asset class, with logistics and industrial properties leading the way. • Institutional capital is returning, but selectivity and due diligence are more critical than ever. • Private markets provide stability, especially in times of public market volatility. • ARETE offers investment strategies aligned with long-term value creation. As global capital reawakens, we at ARETE remain committed to delivering premier real estate investment opportunities across Central and Western Europe. Read the full interview ( https://www.theedgesingapore.com/news/private-equity/liquidity-and-exits-stay-challenging-pe-players-glp-manages-large-divestment ) in The Edge Singapore to gain deeper insights into the future of private equity real estate.
Rising Funds in Private Market: A Growing Investment Opportunity
Private market funds are gaining traction as a powerful investment tool, offering stability and low correlation with public markets. In his article for Euro, Josef Vojta, Capital Markets Director at ARETE, delves into the rising popularity of these funds. In recent years, private market funds have emerged as a powerful investment tool in the CEE region, offering low correlation with public markets and reducing portfolio volatility. Unlike publicly traded funds, which are highly liquid but subject to high volatility, private market funds provide a stabilizing role in investment portfolios. In his article for Euro, a prominent local economic weekly, Josef Vojta, Capital Markets Director at ARETE, explores the global growth of private market funds, represented regionally by the ARETE Industrial Fund, which focuses on premium industrial properties. Josef explains how private market funds balance risk and return, and why they are gaining popularity among local investors.
We handed over the penultimate unit in ARETE Park Rokycany I to Hutchinson
We have completed the penultimate unit within ARETE Park Rokycany I and handed it over to its tenant, the Czech subsidiary of the French company Hutchinson. The construction of the second hall at ARETE Park Rokycany I is progressing according to schedule, offering three rental units spanning more than 15,000 sqm. Late last year, a unit covering approximately 4,800 sqm was completed and handed over to Hutchinson s.r.o. The tenant is the Czech subsidiary of the French company Hutchinson, a member of the multinational conglomerate TotalEnergies. Since 1994, Hutchinson s.r.o. has operated a production facility in another part of Rokycany, specializing in manufacturing rubber components for the automotive industry, including hoses for air, fuel, oil, and water systems. The new space in ARETE Park Rokycany I has enabled the company to establish a comprehensive logistics center. The company has signed a long-term lease and will share the hall with another tenant. Hutchinson is a global leader in vibration control, fluid management, and sealing technologies. With 40,000 employees in 25 countries, the company focuses on creating safer, more comfortable, and more sustainable mobility across air, land, and sea, delivering innovative solutions to highly demanding markets. Our goal is to consistently secure premium tenants—leaders in their industries—and we have once again achieved this with ARETE Park Rokycany I. The total area of the park exceeds 22,000 sqm, and the technical specifications of both halls meet the strictest environmental standards, including achieving BREEAM certification. Both halls are primarily heated using heat pumps. Throughout the entire park, dozens of trees, hundreds of shrubs and subshrubs, as well as hundreds of perennials and grasses, have been planted in alignment with ARETE’s ESG strategy. All species were carefully selected to reflect the region’s native flora, ensuring they seamlessly blend into the surrounding landscape. All greenery planted in the park naturally enhances the aesthetic value of the environment while also improving soil quality and promoting plant biodiversity. Additionally, the park boasts a prime location directly off Exit 62 of the D5 highway, the main transportation route connecting Prague with neighboring Germany. The total value of assets under management in the ARETE INDUSTRIAL fund exceeds €300 million. Geographically, the fund’s leasable space is distributed as follows: 48% is in the Czech Republic, 27% in Slovakia, and 25% in Poland.
Where to Invest in 2025? Insights from ARETE’s Co-Founder
In an exclusive interview with Euro magazine, Lubor Svoboda, co-founder of ARETE investment and real estate group, shares his perspective on the shifting dynamics of the global investment landscape. Lubor explains how diversified strategies including real estate and energy transition can help investors navigate challenges like inflation, regulatory pressures, and geopolitical shifts. Key takeaways: – Real estate remains a “safe haven” with stable, inflation-proof returns, while energy transition offers higher yields for those willing to navigate regulatory complexities. – The importance of diversification: “A well-balanced mix of stocks, bonds with ratings, and real estate can ensure long-term growth.” – What lies ahead? The evolving demand for energy and robust investments in renewables present an unparalleled opportunity for forward-looking investors. Curious to learn more? The full interview is available in the weekly magazine Euro published on 13 January 2025, or here:
