Cyber_Folks acquires 49.9% of Shoper – A strategic move to lead Central and Eastern European e-commerce

Cyber_Folks, a key player in the webhosting market, has recently signed a preliminary agreement to acquire 49.9% of Shoper shares for a total value of PLN 547.5 million. Shoper, known for its leading SaaS-based e-commerce solutions in Poland, will continue to be listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange.

This acquisition is a major step in Cyber_Folks’ strategy to expand its presence in Central and Eastern Europe. With this deal, they are looking to create an innovative e-commerce ecosystem that brings together cutting-edge technologies, high-quality products, and a talented team. This partnership aims to support entrepreneurs by providing modern tools for growing their online businesses.

Details of the Transaction

The transaction involves purchasing shares from key shareholders, including Modhaus, K_K Fundacja Rodzinna, R_E Fundacja Rodzinna, KFF Holding, and V4C Poland Plus Fund. Each share was valued at PLN 39, and the total purchase price of PLN 547.5 million highlights Cyber_Folks’ commitment to expanding their capabilities. The agreement also includes the possibility of increasing the sale price by up to PLN 4.76 million if the antitrust approval process extends beyond February 15, 2025.

Cyber_Folks has been actively growing not just through organic means but also through mergers and acquisitions, positioning itself as a significant player in the market. Their investment in Shoper underscores the belief in the potential of the e-commerce industry in Poland and the wider CEE region. The transaction is subject to approval from the Polish Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK). The companies are expected to finalize the deal within five working days of receiving this regulatory approval.

Shoper’s leading role in e-commerce

Shoper offers a comprehensive platform for creating and managing online stores, along with additional services like marketing, logistics, and payment solutions. The ecosystem built by Shoper has achieved a transaction value of PLN 10.2 billion in the first nine months of 2024, demonstrating its leading role in supporting e-commerce businesses in Poland. With an extensive range of services, Shoper also provides solutions for online advertising, payment systems, and process automation, making it a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses online.

In a statement, Marcin Kuśmierz, CEO of Shoper, expressed his excitement about the partnership: “Within a strong capital group, we look forward to combining advanced technologies, world-class products, and teams of exceptional talent. This future collaboration marks a significant step towards developing Polish e-commerce, creating immense opportunities for our companies and, most importantly, our customers.“

Cyber_Folks strong financial performance

Cyber_Folks’ Q3 2024 financial results show a strong performance, with net revenue of PLN 185 million, growing by 54% year-over-year, and a net profit of PLN 17.1 million, up by 70% compared to the previous year. The adjusted EBITDA also rose by 27% to PLN 46 million, reflecting the group’s efficient growth strategy. Cyber_Folks is financing the acquisition through debt capital, ensuring that their dividend policy remains unaffected and that they continue focusing on consistent growth.

Vision for the Future of E-commerce in the CEE Region

This acquisition aligns with Cyber_Folks’ broader vision to become a leader in e-commerce technology across Central and Eastern Europe. The company sees significant potential in the region’s e-commerce market and is determined to leverage this opportunity to develop innovative solutions for businesses selling online. By joining forces with Shoper, Cyber_Folks aims to deliver tools that empower clients to achieve even greater success.

The combined expertise and resources of Cyber_Folks and Shoper are expected to benefit both companies significantly, leading to the creation of new products and services that meet the evolving needs of online retailers. By integrating Shoper’s advanced SaaS solutions with Cyber_Folks’ existing technology portfolio, the group plans to enhance the digital capabilities of entrepreneurs, making it easier for them to manage and scale their e-commerce operations effectively.