In the July 28, 2026 release of the Fortune Global 500, Czech-headquartered EP Group debuted at 179th place with 75,387 miliardy dolarů in annual revenue for 2025. Owned by Daniel Křetínský, the energy and industrial conglomerate outpaced major global brands like Nike and Coca-Cola, entering the world’s elite business rankings for the first time.
Scaling the Global Revenue Ranks
The Fortune Global 500 ranks enterprises strictly by gross annual revenue rather than brand valuation or market capitalization. EP Group’s entry at 179th position places it among just 13 companies making their debut appearance in the 2026 index. The Czech Republic joins a group of 14 countries, including Poland, Austria, and Thailand, that currently hold exactly one spot in the global list.
Generating 75,387 miliardy dolarů—approximately 1 604 miliard korun—the group’s annual intake equals roughly 76 percent of the Czech state budget’s projected 2 118 miliard korun for 2026. This financial scale places the conglomerate ahead of consumer goods and tech giants that dominate international retail landscapes.
Revenue Comparison (2025/2026 Data):
- EP Group: $75.387 billion
- Coca-Cola: $47.9 billion
- Nike: $46.3 billion
Aggressive Corporate M&A Drives the Leap
EP Group’s dramatic surge into the index stems directly from structural expansion and heavy acquisition activity throughout Europe in 2025. The group absorbed German wholesale operator Metro AG and British group International Distribution Services, which houses Royal Mail and GLS. Concurrently, Křetínský secured complete operational control over Slovenské elektrárne.
Energy remains the operational core of the enterprise. Energetický a průmyslový holding (EPH), which Křetínský was involved in creating in 2009, anchors the multi-sector empire. EPH solidified its continental footprint in autumn 2025 by striking a strategic partnership with French energy player TotalEnergies, where Křetínský acquired an equity stake. Simultaneously, the group funneled capital into renewable energy infrastructure projects across Germany.
Diversification Across Energy, Logistics, and Media
Beyond traditional commodities and utility assets, the empire spans multiple sectors. Through Czech Media Invest, Křetínský controls domestic publishing assets including Blesk, Reflex, and E15, alongside foreign media holdings like French television station T18. Retail and e-commerce additions round out the portfolio, featuring Czech grocery delivery platform Košík.cz and a targeted takeover bid for French electronics retailer Fnac Darty launched in early 2026.
This cross-industry matrix explains how a firm largely unfamiliar to casual retail consumers outpaced household names. The energy sector itself stands as the second-most represented industry in the 2026 Fortune index, featuring 77 corporate entries compared to 123 financial institutions.
Global Context and the 2026 Index Landscape
At the very top of the 2026 rankings, Amazon claimed the number one spot, breaking a long-standing multi-year streak held by Walmart. Other heavyweights rounding out the upper tier include China’s State Grid, UnitedHealth Group, Saudi Aramco, and Apple. Amidst this macroeconomic landscape, EP Group’s debut marks a significant milestone for Czech enterprise in global markets.
