Arete

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.  

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.

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:

Co-founders of ARETE Group among “The 100 Most Influential People in CEE Real Estate”

Robert Ides and Lubor Svoboda, co-founders of the ARETE Group, have been featured in “The 100 Most Influential People in the CEE Real Estate”. On 25-26 November, Property Forum recognised the best projects, most impactful transactions, and most inspiring personalities and companies in the CEE real estate market and presented the CEE Property Awards.  On the first evening Property Forum unveiled its first-ever CEE TOP 100 list. The publication highlights the 100 most influential people in the CEE real estate sector. We’re proud to announce that Robert Ides and Lubor Svoboda, co-founders of the investment and real estate group ARETE, have been included in this prominent list. Property Forum is a leading event hub in the CEE real estate sector with over 10 years of experience organizing conferences, business breakfasts, and workshops for real estate professionals. To learn more, please visit CEE Property Forum & Awards Gala 2024 – Vienna, Austria – AGENDA  

Industrial real estate: an opportunity for long-term investment in a period of market stabilization

Slovak magazine Trend published an article by Lubor Svoboda, co-founder of the investment and real-estate group ARETE. In the article, Lubor discusses the current situation on the financial and real estate markets. The current investment market represents an opportunity for those looking for profitable investments in industrial real estate. Commercial real estate prices in Western markets have seen a significant correction, creating an opportune time to buy. Industrial parks with quality management provide stable income through long-term leases, making them an ideal choice for long-term investment. Now is a good time to invest prudently to achieve long-term appreciation. Lubor Svoboda also outlines the strategy of the ARETE INDUSTRIAL fund, which is preparing for further acquisitions of industrial parks in Western and Central Europe to its portfolio. Read the full article in the Trend magazine or here: Priemyselné nehnuteľnosti: príležitosť na dlhodobé (trend.sk) 

The Time for Real Estate Investment Reallocation Has Come

Lubor Svoboda, co-founder of the investment and real estate group Arete, provides an overview of the latest trends in the real estate market in the article for Euro magazine. He explains how the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent geopolitical instability have impacted the globalization of manufacturing processes and the European real estate market. Lubor Svoboda discusses recent price corrections in developed real estate markets and the revival of investment activity in Europe after two years of decline. He also highlights opportunities for investors in select real estate segments and outlines the strategy of the ARETE INDUSTRIAL fund, which is preparing for further acquisitions of industrial parks in Western and Central Europe. The full article can be found in Euro magazine, published on September 30, or available here.

Advantages and Specifics of Qualified Investor Funds

Qualified Investor Funds (QIFs) deliver higher long-term returns compared to mutual funds. The ARETE INDUSTRIAL fund consistently ranks among the most stable and best-performing investment funds in the Czech Republic. In an article for Wealth Magazine, Lubor Svoboda, co-founder of the investment and real estate group Arete, explains what it takes to establish a QIF, the benefits these funds offer compared to retail funds, and the specifics of a QIF investing in industrial real estate within a closed investment cycle. He also discusses the challenges the ARETE INDUSTRIAL fund has faced in recent years and reveals the group’s plans for the fund in the coming years. With real estate having undergone price corrections and inflation stabilizing, Arete is poised for further strategic acquisitions in the CEE region and Western Europe, supported by favorable market conditions, low leverage in the fund’s financing, and strong bank confidence. You can find the full article in the latest issue of Wealth Magazine or here.

Now is the Time for Strategic Real Estate Investments in Europe

Lubor Svoboda, co-founder of the investment and real estate group Arete, explains in an article for Forbes magazine how macroeconomic indicators and the situation on the financial markets have changed. The commercial real estate market has undergone a significant correction, presenting a unique opportunity for forward-thinking and informed investors. Central banks are predicting a more optimistic future, and price stability is gaining strength. Arete Group is prepared to capitalize on these conditions As inflation stabilizes and interest rates decrease, the industrial real estate sector offers stability and long-term value. Well-managed income-generating industrial parks, like those in Arete’s portfolio, provide steady income through long-term lease agreements, making them an attractive choice for investors seeking reliable returns. Arete Group continues to expand our industrial portfolio through targeted and highly attractive acquisitions across Western and Central Europe. As the market recovers, now is the right time to make strategic and forward-looking investments that capitalize on these recent price corrections. Read the full article in the September issue of Forbes magazine or here.

We are entering the energy transition business

Martin Pacovský, a prominent figure in the Czech energy industry and a former director of Pražská plynárenská, who also had a long tenure at ČEZ, introduces his latest project with the investment group ARETE in an interview for Hospodářské noviny. Currently, Martin oversees the Energy Transition strategy at ARETE, focusing on investments in energy transition, specifically renewable energy projects and flexible power generation solutions primarily in Western Europe and in the Balkans. Martin’s extensive prior experience are within energy transition sector, such as the construction of wind farms in Romania, and energy production from gas. These make him ideally suited to lead our infrastructure and energy acquisitions. The targeted investments include renewable energy sources, large-capacity batteries, and gas-powered electricity generation to balance the grid during periods of low renewable production. As part of this strategy, we plan to create small energy hubs within our industrial parks, allowing us to efficiently manage energy consumption within the park and trade the generated electricity externally. Our approach emphasizes precise weather forecasting, mathematical modeling, as well as data analysis and positions us well to take advantage of the transitioning infrastructure industry. You can find the interview with Martin here.  

Alica Koblovská

působí jako vedoucí právního oddělení skupiny ARETE a má více než desetiletí rozsáhlých právních zkušeností v oblasti podnikových financí, M&A a compliance. Dohlíží na veškerou právní agendu skupiny ARETE a působí jako strategický poradce, který dohlíží na dodržování předpisů u komplexních fondových struktur.

Alica zastávala významné právní funkce, včetně pozice generálního právního zástupce ve společnosti Bakala Capital, kde řídila právní záležitosti pro Zdenka Bakalu, přední family office. Předtím pracovala jako právník ve společnosti Kocián Šolc Balaštík v Praze.

Alica získala magisterský titul v oboru právo na Masarykově univerzitě v Brně s mezinárodní účastí na univerzitě Paul Cezanne.

 

Alica Koblovska

Serves as the Chief Legal Officer at ARETE, bringing over a decade of extensive legal expertise in corporate finance, M&A, and compliance. She oversees the entire legal agenda of ARETE and acts as a key strategic advisor, overseeing compliance for our complex fund structures.

Alica has held significant legal roles, including the position of General Counsel at Bakala Capital, where she managed legal affairs for Zdenek Bakala, a leading family office. Before this, she worked as a layer with Kocian Solc Balastik in Prague.

Alica holds a Master’s degree in Law from Masaryk University in Brno with international exposure at Paul Cezanne University.

 

Lubor Svoboda

Lubor má 25 let zkušeností s vedením realitních a private equity společností jako generální ředitel, s řízením úspěšných obchodních transakcí a právních restrukturalizací ve finančním a vysoce regulovaném prostředí. V posledních deseti letech se Lubor zaměřuje na správu fondů a strategické plánování. Vystudoval právo na Masarykově univerzitě v Brně a MBA na Prague International Business School.

 

Lubor Svoboda

Lubor has 25 years of experience leading real estate and private equity companies as a CEO, managing successful business transactions and legal restructurings in financial and highly regulated environments. Over the past ten years, Lubor has focused on fund management and strategic planning. He holds a Master’s degree in Law from Masaryk University in Brno and an MBA from the Prague International Business School.

 

Jiří Krol

člen dozorčí rady, má více než 20-letou praxe v řízením mezinárodních finančních institucí.

 

Martin Pacovsky

Is the Chief Investment Officer at ARETE for our energy transition strategy, with extensive experience in managing and developing energy assets, focused on advancing carbon-neutral strategies. With a strong track record in strategic planning and international market expansion, Martin has successfully led organizations through complex M&A processes, including guiding Pražská Plynárenská a.s. through the 2022 energy crisis as Chairman of the Board. His expertise encompasses risk management and stakeholder engagement.

Previously, Martin held senior roles at ČEZ Group, where he contributed significantly to renewable energy projects and international growth, such as overseeing the construction of Romania's largest onshore wind farm.

Martin holds an MSc from the University of Economics in Prague and an MBA from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

 

Martin Konecny

Serves as the company’s CFO, bringing a robust background in finance and economics, with extensive international experience. At ARETE, Martin is responsible for reporting and controlling on corporate and fund level for all entities in the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia.

Martin has over 30 years of experience, and a proven track record in corporate finance, operations, M&A, and portfolio management. Before joining ARETE, Martin served as a Group Head of Risks and Operations at P3 Logistics Parks, a logistics real estate investment manager with more than 3 billion AuM. His career includes 4 years as Country CFO at Citi Czech Republic and 15 years at KPMG, overseeing audits and compliance investigations.

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Economics, Finance and Trade from the Prague University of Economics and Business as well as an Executive MBA from the University of Bristol.

Robert Ides

Robert Ides, spoluzakladatel, je řídícím partnerem Arete Group. V roce 2014 byl součástí zakládajícího týmu a má více než 25 let zkušeností v poradenství. Dohlíží na strategii společnosti, a to jak v oblasti nemovitostí, tak v kategoriích aktiv energetické infrastruktury. Pod jeho vedením společnost úspěšně prodala dva realitní fondy a svým klientům přinesla vynikající výnosy. Před založením společnosti zastával Robert několik vedoucích pozic se zaměřením na komplexní mezinárodní fúze, akvizice a strategické projekty. Mimo jiné působil ve výkonných funkcích ve společnostech AIG a Zurich Insurance Group.

Robert je zkušený M&A profesionál a studoval v Praze

 

Robert Ides

Robert Ides, Co-Founder, is the Managing Partner of Arete Group. He was part of the founding team in 2014 and has over 25 years of advisory experience. He oversees company strategy, both real estate and energy infrastructure asset classes. Under his leadership, the company has successfully divested two real estate funds, delivering outstanding returns to its clients. Prior to founding the company, Robert held several leadership positions focusing on complex international mergers, acquisitions, and strategic projects. Among others, he served in executive roles at AIG and Zurich Insurance Group.

Robert is an experienced M&A professional and studied in Prague.

 

Miroslav Barnas

je Chief Investment Officer ve společnosti ARETE pro naši realitní strategii. Sestavil tým investičního managementu a dohlíží na získávání obchodů, řízení investic a realizaci pro ARETE INDUSTRIAL FUND.

S více než 20 lety profesionálních zkušeností v oblasti komerčních a rezidenčních nemovitostí je Miroslav ostříleným manažerem se zkušenostmi v poradenství firemním klientům i soukromým osobám v oblasti investic, oceňování, leasingu, vyjednávání, výstavby a facility managementu komerčních nemovitostí v České republice a na Slovensku. Miroslav vedl velké transakce přesahující 1 miliardu eur. Mezi jeho vedoucí role patří generální ředitel a ředitel kapitálových trhů ve společnosti Jones Lang LaSalle.

Miroslav je profesionálem MRICS a má magisterský titul na Ekonomické univerzitě v Bratislavě.

 

Miroslav Barnas

is the Chief Investment Officer at ARETE for our real estate strategy. He set up the investment management team and oversees deal sourcing, investment management and execution for the ARETE INDUSTRIAL FUND.

With over 20 years of professional track record in commercial and residential real estate, Miroslav is a seasoned executive with experience in advising corporate clients and private individuals on investment, valuation, leasing, negotiations, construction, and facility management of commercial properties in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Miroslav has led major transactions exceeding €1 billion. His leadership roles include CEO and Head of Capital Markets at Jones Lang LaSalle.

Miroslav is an MRICS professional and holds a Master’s degree from the University of Economics in Bratislava.

Alica Koblovska

Serves as the Chief Legal Officer at ARETE, bringing over a decade of extensive legal expertise in corporate finance, M&A, and compliance. She oversees the entire legal agenda of ARETE and acts as a key strategic advisor, overseeing compliance for our complex fund structures.

Alica has held significant legal roles, including the position of General Counsel at Bakala Capital, where she managed legal affairs for Zdenek Bakala, a leading family office. Before this, she worked as a layer with Kocian Solc Balastik in Prague.

Alica holds a Master’s degree in Law from Masaryk University in Brno with international exposure at Paul Cezanne University.

 

Jiri Krol

A supervisory board member, with over 20 years of experience in managing international financial institutions.

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      Martin Konečný

      Působí jako finanční ředitel společnosti, přináší robustní zázemí v oblasti financí a ekonomiky a má rozsáhlé mezinárodní zkušenosti. Martin je ve společnosti ARETE zodpovědný za reporting a controlling na korporátní a fondové úrovni pro všechny subjekty v České republice, Polsku a na Slovensku.

      Martin má více než 30 let zkušeností a prokazatelnou historii v oblasti podnikových financí, operací, fúzí a akvizic a správy portfolia. Před nástupem do ARETE působil Martin jako Group Head of Risks and Operations ve společnosti P3 Logistics Parks, manažer investic do logistických nemovitostí s více než 3 miliardami AuM. Jeho kariéra zahrnuje 4 roky jako Country CFO v Citi Česká republika a 15 let v KPMG, kde dohlíží na audity a šetření shody.

      Martin je držitelem magisterského titulu v oboru ekonomie, financí a obchodu na Vysoké škole ekonomické a obchodní v Praze a Executive MBA na University of Bristol.

       

      Martin Pacovský

      Je Chief Investment Officer ve společnosti ARETE pro naši strategii energetického přechodu, s rozsáhlými zkušenostmi se správou a rozvojem energetických aktiv se zaměřením na prosazování uhlíkově neutrálních strategií. Martin se silnými zkušenostmi ve strategickém plánování a expanzi na mezinárodním trhu úspěšně vedl organizace komplexními procesy M&A, včetně vedení Pražské plynárenské a.s. přes energetickou krizi v roce 2022 jako předseda představenstva. Jeho odborné znalosti zahrnují řízení rizik a zapojení zainteresovaných stran.

      Martin dříve zastával vedoucí pozice ve Skupině ČEZ, kde se významně podílel na projektech obnovitelných zdrojů energie a mezinárodním růstu, například dohlížel na výstavbu největší rumunské pobřežní větrné farmy.

      Martin získal titul MSc na Vysoké škole ekonomické v Praze a titul MBA na Rochester Institute of Technology.

       

      Lubor Svoboda

      Lubor has 25 years of experience leading real estate and private equity companies as a CEO, managing successful business transactions and legal restructurings in financial and highly regulated environments. Over the past ten years, Lubor has focused on fund management and strategic planning. He holds a Master’s degree in Law from Masaryk University in Brno and an MBA from the Prague International Business School.

       

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