Powering
Europe’s Everyday
Essentials

About EP Group

EP Group is one of the leading privately owned industrial groups operating across the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Originally rooted in energy and infrastructure, the Group has strategically diversified into four key business pillars: logistics, food wholesale and retail, media, and e-commerce. Our portfolio is built for resilience, maintaining a balanced, risk-averse profile underpinned by investment-grade stability.

We recognize that energy, logistics, food distribution, and access to reliable information form the backbone of modern society. Our mission is to deliver these essential services with the highest standards of reliability, economic efficiency, and social responsibility.

Today, EP Group operates in every EU member state and throughout the UK, with services that reach nearly every household. On a pro forma basis – including recently integrated businesses – the Group generates annual revenues of approximately €80 billion and EBITDA of around €8 billion, ranking us among the largest industrial conglomerates in Europe.

Revenues

€ 80 bn

EBITDA

€ 8 bn

Employees

240,000+

Countries of operation

45+

Energy

Balancing Europe’s need for stability with its commitment to decarbonization

Through EPH and EP Energy Transition, EP Group operates a vertically integrated energy platform across nine countries, spanning flexible power and heat generation, gas transmission and storage, and distribution networks.

EP Group is leading the shift to zero and low-emission sources – hydro, nuclear, gas, and renewables – while maintaining security and affordability of supply.

With €55 billion in consolidated assets, 84 TWh of net power production, and €5.5 billion in EBITDA, the Energy Segment ensures affordable and stable supply during Europe’s critical energy transformation.

Logistics

Delivering to millions every day – reliably, efficiently, and across borders

EP Group owns International Distribution Services (IDS), one of Europe’s top three parcel logistics platforms.

Through Royal Mail in the UK and GLS across more than 40 countries, IDS delivers over 10 billion letters and parcels annually with the support of more than 160,000 employees. IDS is a high-performance business with a long-term commitment to postal logistics as a critical part of Europe’s economy and infrastructure.

Our integrated logistics network combines national postal systems with international parcel operations, underpinned by proprietary logistics technology and extensive sorting, distribution, and delivery facilities.

Wholesale & Retail

Serving Europe’s food supply chain from wholesale to local delivery

EP Group controls METRO AG, Europe’s largest cash & carry and food service delivery network, with 624 stores in 21 countries and €31 billion in annual revenue.

METRO provides professional customers with a broad assortment of food and non-food products, efficient supply solutions, and digital services that support their daily business.

Group’s retail footprint further extends through joint ventures in Spain, including Caprabo and Eroski Baleares, regional leaders in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.

In the Czech Republic, the Group operates FAST ČR, a major distributor of electronics and appliances, and Košík.cz, an established online grocery platform.

Across more than 30 countries, EP Group connects global suppliers with local businesses and households, ensuring reliable access to everyday goods.

Media & Publishing

Renowned brands shaping Europe’s media and publishing landscape

Through Czech Media Invest, EP Group plays a leading role in Europe's book publishing and media markets. The portfolio includes Editis, France’s second-largest book publisher, along with French national television channel T18 and magazines such as ELLE, Franc-Tireur and Marianne. In the Czech Republic, CMI is a leading publisher of daily newspapers, magazines, and their digital editions, and a major operator in the radio market — also running radio stations in Romania. With around 4,250 employees and €1.1 billion in annual revenues, the segment combines established titles with innovative formats across multiple European markets.

EP Group Foundation

A second chance for those who need it most

The EP Group Foundation supports individuals and communities affected by life’s hardest blows – bereavement, illness, or sudden crisis.

It focuses on two main areas: supporting families with children impacted by the loss or disability of a parent; and dedicated to supporting organizations that provide compassionate care for seniors.

The Foundation is an integral expression of EP Group’s values – where prosperity must also mean responsibility.

EP Group Foundation

Press

Our ESG Policies

01ESG Master Policy

This document sets out a comprehensive policy framework and basic guidelines for the EP Group as well as defining the core principles for sustainability related policies within the EP Group and its subsidiaries. Its structure embraces the most material topics related to the environmental impact, social welfare and sustainable governance practices. Specific policies described below act as add-ins to this Master Policy.

EP Group understands the impact of its entire portfolio on the environment. Following the basic principles of responsible behaviour in the areas of environmental protection, climate change, quality standards, sustainable operations and products, resources efficiency and environmental education ensures that its business activities minimise the environmental impact of its operations and contribute to sustainable development.

EP Group also understands the impact of its business operations in society. Following the basic principles of responsible behaviour in the areas of value creation, human rights, economic and social development, access to basic services, stakeholders’ dialogue, sustainable development principles, equal opportunities, transparent communication and accountability and health and safety ensures that its business activities positively contribute to the community and sustainable development.

Finally, with regard to governance, EP Group understands the impact of its business operations in the economic value creation. Following the basic principles of responsible behaviour as regards ethics, sustainable economy, risk management, progress on goals and commitments, responsible finance and funding, management and regulatory compliance ensures that its business activities positively contribute to the economy and sustainable growth.

02Environmental Policy

In line with the Environmental Policy EP Group is committed to conducting its business activities in an environmentally safe and responsible manner. To make sure that we uphold this commitment to the environment, all the impacts, whether positive or negative, are monitored and managed with the aims to decrease negative impacts and to improve positive imprint on the environment. The Policy defines our commitments regarding behaviour that has a direct or indirect impact on the environment. The Environmental Policy describes basic principles we follow in terms of the climate change and carbon footprint reduction, protection of biodiversity, environmental management system, environmental impacts of the product portfolio, customer efficiency, regulatory compliance, renewable and clean energy promotion, resource and energy efficiency, waste management and end cycle management.

03Operational Policy

The Operational Policy defines our commitments in regard to the behaviour that has a direct or indirect impact on the safety and efficiency. This Policy concerns the basic principles we follow in matters of the access to basic services to our customers in the form of affordable, high quality and reliable electricity, gas and heat supply, health and safety management of our employees, contractors, customers and all stakeholders, reliable, quality and environmentally safe operation of facilities, social impacts of our products, innovation and modernization in all our business areas of generation, transmission and distribution, emergency management, stakeholder engagement and responsible marketing.

04Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct defines our standards of behaviour, managed as a practical value for our day-to-day business and making all employees personally responsible for the performance and reputation of the Group, ensuring a good relationship with all our stakeholders.

In line with the Code of Conduct, our key commitments towards our business partners include complying with all binding legal regulations and acting as a reliable and trustworthy partner, competing fairly and adhering to principles of transparent communication, reliable information and adequate risk management.

Regarding customers, we are also committed to conducting our marketing activities in a responsible and fair manner, ensuring open dialog and security of sensitive customer data.

With regard to EP Group employees our basic commitments include guaranteeing equal opportunities and avoiding all forms of discrimination towards existing or potential employees, creating healthy and safe working conditions for our employees, guaranteeing freedom of association and right to collective bargaining and continuous training and talent development.

Concerning suppliers among key principles there is excellence, objectivity and encouragement of our suppliers to not only comply with existing laws and regulation but also to adhere to principles similar to the ones we have implemented.

Finally, toward communities, we are mainly bound to minimize environmental impact of our activities, maintain appropriate environmental management standards, promote human rights through acknowledging the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact, and also consider social impact of our activities.

05Procurement Policy

EP Group is committed to conducting its business activities in a transparent and operationally excellent manner and expects the same of its suppliers. To uphold the commitment, thorough screening of material suppliers is carried out, to make sure that the suppliers are conscious of the stated principles. The Procurement Policy defines commitments in all procurement processes, and what is expected from the suppliers. We encourage the suppliers to share our commitments to law and regulation, ethical business conduct, human rights and working conditions, health and safety, and environmental protection.

06Tax Governance Policy

The Tax Governance Policy ensures compliance with all applicable tax laws and regulations within the framework of fulfilling the corporate interest and supporting a long-term business strategy that avoids tax risks and inefficiencies in the implementation of business decisions. To address the risk of tax non-compliance, as well as other identified tax risks, material transactions are assessed by approved tax experts. The purpose of the Policy is to ensure compliance with tax rules in various countries and territories in which the Group operates, prevention and reduction of significant tax risks and strengthening of the relationships with tax authorities.

07Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery Policy

The purpose of the Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery Policy is to ensure compliance with all applicable antibribery regulations, and to ensure EP Group’s business is conducted in a socially responsible manner. EP Group is committed to conduct its business activities in an honest and ethical manner and expects the same of EP Group employees and business partners. EP Group and its shareholders do not tolerate any form of corruption, neither active nor passive, direct or indirect, and work against corruption in all its forms. EP Group does not have business relationships with business partners who are known to be in violation of the principles underlying the Policy. EP Group’s golden rule is that it would rather lose a particular business opportunity than engage in illegal or unethical conduct.

The Policy sets principles for preventing corruption and bribery, including the KYC procedure and the “four-eyes” principle. The Policy strictly prohibits EP Group employees from engaging in any form of bribery (offering, promising, giving, accepting, or soliciting of an advantage as an inducement for action which is illegal or a breach of trust; this includes kickbacks, i.e. payments made in return for a business favor or an advantage), corruption (the abuse of entrusted power or position for private gain including any form of bribery) as well as facilitation payments (the payment of money or granting of other advantage to a Government Official for the purpose of expediting or facilitating the performance of a Government Official for a routine governmental action), regulates offering and accepting of gifts, hospitalities and other advantages, prohibits political contributions and sets rules for charitable contributions. The Policy also covers communication, training, concern raising, monitoring and review, as well as record keeping and sanctions.

08Anti-Financial Crime Policy

The purpose of the Anti-Financial Crime Policy is to prevent EP Group, our employees and our business partners from being exposed to financial crime covering money laundering and terrorist financing. This involves identifying the potential areas where financial crime may occur and strengthening procedures to minimize the risk, as well as complying with all legal and regulatory requirements. EP Group does not have business relationships with business partners who are known to be in violation of the principles underlying the Policy. EP Group believes that it is of utmost importance to combat financial crime and is committed to take all necessary steps to prevent such activities. EP Group’s golden rule is that it would rather lose a particular business opportunity than engage in illegal or unethical conduct.

The Policy sets principles for preventing financial crime, including the KYC procedure, the “four-eyes” principle and limits on cash payments and highlights the importance of business partner due diligence. The Policy also covers communication, training, concern raising, monitoring and review, as well as sanctions.

09Sanctions Policy

The purpose of the Sanctions Policy is to ensure compliance of EP Group with sanctions, i. e. to ensure that EP Group and/or any of our employees does not establish or maintain business relations or processes any transactions affected by sanctions. The policy covers economic or financial sanctions, or trade embargoes or other restrictive measures imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by USA, UN, EU or UK.

EP Group believes that sanctions are vital tool for combatting terrorism and maintaining and/or restoring international peace and security. EP Group is committed to avoiding trade with sanctioned parties or anyone in sanctioned countries. EP Group also does not have business relationships with business partners who are known to be in violation of the principles underlying the Policy. EP Group’s golden rule is that it would rather lose a particular business opportunity than engage in illegal or unethical conduct.

EP Group applies appropriate measures and procedures, on a risk-based approach, so as to focus its effort in the area where the risk of breach of sanctions appears to be higher. Due to the nature of its business EP Group considers financial sanctions to be the ones where the risk of non-compliance appears to be higher than in other areas. The Policy describes the risk assessment, based on KYC procedure, as well as the mitigation measures. EP Group actively collaborates with both supervisory and legal authorities concerning the enforcement of sanction systems. EP Group reports any breach of a sanction’s regime to the appropriate authority in a timely manner and in accordance with law. The Policy also covers communication, training, concern raising, monitoring and review, as well as sanctions.

10Anti-Trust Law Policy

The purpose of the Policy is to ensure that all employees observe Anti-trust law and are aware of serious consequences that any infringement of Anti-trust laws may have. Anti-trust law comprises of legislation enacted by EU and its member states to regulate trade and commerce by preventing unlawful restraints, pricefixing, and monopolies; to promote competition; and to encourage the production of quality goods and services at the lowest prices, with the primary goal of safeguarding public welfare by ensuring that consumer demands will be met by the manufacture and sale of goods at reasonable prices.

EP Group is committed to respecting open markets and fair competition. EP Group applies appropriate measures and procedures whenever necessary to prevent an infringement of Anti-trust law. The Policy highlights consequences that the infringement of Anti-trust law may have and describes appropriate measures, procedures and principles of conduct to be applied by EP Group, on a risk-based approach, so as to focus its effort in the area where the risk of an infringement appears to be higher.

11KYC Directive

Whilst there is no legal requirement to put in place formal procedures for evidencing the identity of EP Group business partners, in forming new business relationship or considering undertaking a significant one-off transaction, it is expected and prudent for management of EP Group Companies to satisfy themselves as to the identity of the parties with whom they are transacting.

KYC Directive outlines the process that seeks to verify and validate the business partner’s identity and suitability in order to support EP Group’s actionable decisions to mitigate financial, regulatory and reputational risk and ensure regulatory compliance. It also sets basic principles for division of powers and responsibilities concerning the performance of the KYC procedure according to the KYC Directive among EP Group Company’s departments and bodies including the four eyes principle.

Before entering into a business relationship, EP Group Company carefully checks its prospective business partners in accordance with the KYC Directive. Following the collection of information and data from public and other reliable sources or completion of a KYC Questionnaire by a prospective business partner and provision of necessary documentation, EP Group Company evaluates and verifies the information and data, checks whether the business partner is subject to sanctions and assesses whether entering into a business relationship with the business partner may constitute a risk of non-compliance in the areas of money laundering, terrorist financing or tax governance fraud. Should the KYC procedure reveal any concerns or irregularities as regards the business partner’s identity and suitability, EP Group Company adopts adequate mitigating measures outlined in the KYC Directive, including a decision not to enter into the business relationship or undertake the business transaction.

KYC Directive obliges each EP Group Company to implement measures and processes concerning business partner’s identification and suitability that are necessary and appropriate with regard to the respective EP Group Company’s profile and character of its activities and business relationships into its internal processes and rules of operations.

12Bio-Diversity Policy

Encouragement of economic and social development, respect for the environment and promotion of biodiversity are paramount corporate values for the EP Group, informing all of its actions. In this regard, the Bio-Diversity Policy confirms EP Group’s commitment to sustainable and efficient development, as promoted through other EP Group Policies, such as Master Policy or Environmental Policy, recognising the strategic value represented by the preservation and promotion of biodiversity for all of the companies of the Group and providing a comprehensive and consistent framework of its commitments and underlying principles in the area of biodiversity.

EP Group strives to prevent and minimise environmental impact, prioritising modernisation of processes and facilities, launching and maintaining the appropriate environmental management system standards and ensuring appropriate awareness among our employees and business partners.

Protecting biodiversity in the areas where the EP Group operates is among the top goals of the EP Group. The Policy ensures that potential risks in planning and operations are monitored and evaluated on a regular basis. These activities are complemented by consultations with experts and communication with local communities, which leads to a mitigation of potential negative impacts. The Policy also specifies the EP Group goal not only to minimise the negative impact, but also to play an active role in supporting and protecting ecosystems and endangered species.

13Policy on Reporting of Serious Concerns

EP Group believes that speaking out and reporting serious concerns is essential for safety, legal and financial compliance and ultimately a successful business. In accordance with EP Group’s commitment to promoting and encouraging a culture of openness, integrity and accountability, EP Group expects and encourages employees who have a serious concern about any aspect of the business to come forward and voice those concerns, without fear of any personal repercussions.

The Policy’s purpose is to provide employees the means of reporting compliance concerns and compliance violations without fear of retaliation or retribution, and to set out the way in which any serious concerns that they have may be raised and how these concerns are dealt with including a model procedure to be followed.

The Policy applies to all Employees in all countries and territories that EP Group operates in and relates, as a minimum, to reporting in line with the applicable laws and regulations of the countries in which the EP Group Companies operate in. EP Group Companies are strongly encouraged to consider extending the scope of reporting beyond the scope of their country’s legislation to allow reporting in Good Faith of a serious concern about any suspected, actual or potential violation of law, regulations or EP Group Policies.

14Asset-Integrity Policy

EP Group acknowledges that the constant business challenge in the area of asset integrity management is how to balance the designing, maintenance, and replacement of assets throughout their life cycle (including managing of the degradation of assets) with the costs to business, in terms of finance, time, and resources.

The Policy’s purpose is to outline the principles and practices that govern decisions on asset management at EP Group to ensure that EP Group responsibly manages asset integrity risks across all facilities that we design, construct or operate and thus accomplishes its mission of providing high-quality products and services in a sustainable and safe environment.

The Policy applies to all assets owned by EP Group and all aspects of each asset, including design, construction, operation, maintenance and disposal. In addition, EP Group may rely on natural assets or other assets it does not own. Where operations are supported by these assets, we will work collaboratively with the asset owners and promote the principles outlined in this Policy.

EP Group is committed to ensure all EP Group employees and functions of EP Group are aligned with the principles of the Policy and to ensure assets are managed in a manner that maximizes benefits, reduces risk and provides satisfactory levels of service to customers in a safe and sustainable manner.

15Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy

The purpose of the Policy is to ensure that our commitment to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination is fulfilled. The aim is for our employees to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. EP Group strives to ensure that our employees feel supported and comfortable at work. EP Group recognises that our staff are our greatest asset and aims to attract and retain people with diverse skills, experience and background to deliver high-quality products and services. EP Group appreciates that our employees bring a range of differing skills and ideas to the workplace. EP Group is also committed against unlawful discrimination of customers or the public.

16Cybersecurity Principles

The purpose of the Policy is to reflect the EP Group commitment to conducting its business activities with a strong focus on protecting information, technology, and digital services to respond to continuously evolving IT environment complexity, new security threats and regulatory requirements. In this regard the Policy highlights the following key cybersecurity principles: securing organizational security governance, performing risk assessment, adopting security policies, increasing security awareness, ensuring appropriate asset management, identity management and access control, secure connectivity and remote workplace, malware protection, threat and vulnerabilities management, monitoring and continuous risk evaluation, patch management and secure configuration, network security, cyber resilience, business continuity, trusted supply chain, physical protection, industrial control systems, human resource security as well as security in IT and ICS lifecycle.