Poland has been experiencing an economical spurt for the past 28 years and has been the only one in the EU to dodge the recession of 2007-2008. However, all performance indices seemed to have slowed down as the end of 2019 closed in. The Polish economy has registered a general deceleration across, with the exception of the unemployment rate which stood at a strong 2.9% in 4Q19. While the start of the year was quite promising with a strong 4.80% y/y GDP growth, the slope is expected to become steeply abrupt after bringing the general quota to 3.24% as of December 2019. Even though the economic outlook for 2020 appears bleak, the experts foresee a strong rebound come 2021.
If you are looking to read more about the local economy leaders and their financial insights, look no further than the top 10 private companies by company value in 2019 compiled below by Global Database. It should provide knowledge to aid you in portraying a picture of the Polish market and help you choose a possible next investment target or industry of interest.
*All figures are in USD. M: Millions of USD, B: Billions of USD
*PLN was converted to USD using an average exchange rate of 1 PLN to 0.25 USD
1.Cyfrowy Polsat S.A. - $6.74B
Cyfrowy Polsat S.A. (further Cyfrowy Polsat) is the largest satellite television operator in Central and Eastern Europe and takes on the fifth place across the entire Europe. In addition to offering close to 200 Polish-language channels, the business also deals in additional TV services as well as fixed and mobile broadband. As the magnate with the biggest market share, it is no surprise the company managed an impressive feat of $6.74B company value as of the end of 2019.
2.CD Projekt S.A. - $5.82B
CD Projekt S.A. (further CD Projekt) is a Polish video game industry-focused company dealing in developing, publishing and distributing entertainment products. Founded in 1994 as a gateway for foreign video games to flourish in the domestic market, CD Projekt is now well-known for creating the award-winning The Witcher series and a DRM-free online store under the name of GOG (good old games). Employing over one thousand creative minds, CD Projekt has ticked off $5.82B company value for 2019. Hence the second place in our top 10 private companies in Poland.
3.Dino Polska S.A. - $3.98B
Dino Polska S.A. (further Dino) is a fast-growing Polish retail chain of grocery supermarkets which has seen an enormous growth to 1,218 stores at the end of 2019 from just above 100 in 2010. Spread nationwide and backed by a robust logistics network of five distribution centres, Dino puts on display approximately five thousand different kinds of products. Thanks to the excellent service and preparedness, the enterprise achieved $3.98B in company value come end of 2019.
4.LPP Spółka Akcyjna - $3.79B
LPP Spółka Akcyjna (further LPP) is a clothing focused company dealing in design, production, and distribution of such articles. The company is headquartered in Gdańsk, Poland, and comprises a network exceeding 1,700 stores spread across Europe, Asia, and Africa. LPP has been actively involved in promoting and abiding by environmental protection actions. With 25,000 employees under its wing and five brands to lead its fashion style, LPP reached a company value mark of $3.79B.
5.Zakłady Farmaceutyczne Polpharma SA - $2.41B
Zakłady Farmaceutyczne Polpharma SA (further Polpharma), as the name suggests, is a Polish pharmaceutics company headquartered in Starogard Gdański. Alongside the drugs used in branches like cardiology, gastroenterology, and neurology it also manufactures over-the-counter medicine. It was founded in 1935 as Fabryka Chemiczno-Farmaceutyczna ‘Polpharma’ followed by being involved in a series of acquisitions and suffering numerous name changes. However, it has managed to make a name for itself and expanded into seven production plants as well as research and development centres. It closed 2019 with a $2.41B company value, ranking 5th in our list of 10 top private companies in Poland in 2019.
6.Synthos SA - $2.17B
Synthos SA (further Synthos) is a Polish company dealing in chemicals, headquartered in Oświęcim. It was founded in 1945 as a synthetic fuels factory and down the line has experienced many changes in name. Thus, acquiring a large portfolio of raw and intermediate products that can be used in various industries, Synthos Group works across five segments each determined to reach a special portion of the market. All in all, for Synthos 2019 ended in $2.17B company value.
7.CCC Spółka Akcyjna - $2.06B
CCC Spółka Akcyjna (further CCC) is a Polish shoe manufacturer and retailer operating across Central and Eastern Europe through a network of owned stores and franchises. In addition to the excellent footwear, CCC also sells bags, cosmetics, fancy goods, and different kinds of accessories. It employs over 15,000 workers dispersed around more than 1,200 stores. CCC closed the year 2019 with a result reflected in the $2.06B company value.
8.Maspex Group - $2.04B
Maspex Group (further Maspex) is an international food products company headquartered in Wadowice, Poland. It was founded in 1990 featuring coffee milk powder and cocoa packaging and distribution. Today’s main segment includes juice, instant products, and pasta as products of 15 modern plants spread across Poland and abroad. Through a series of acquisitions, 19 to be more exact, Maspex ended 2019 on a $2.04B company value note, ranking 8th in our top 10 private companies in Poland in 2019.
9.Toruńskie Zakłady Materiałów Opatrunkowych (TZMO) - $1.57B
Toruńskie Zakłady Materiałów Opatrunkowych (further TZMO) activates in the manufacturing and marketing of feminine and baby care products, as well as certain types of medical supplies. It is headquartered in Toruń and was initially founded with the scope of providing waterproof dressings for military and mining needs. Today, TZMO’s portfolio stretches across 5 different brands, sold in over 80 markets across all continents, employing close to 8,000 people. In 2019 the company was valued at $1.57B.
10.Kruk SA - $1.30B
Kruk SA (further Kruk) is a company headquartered in Wrocław, generally dealing in debt collecting services. Its line of business includes acquisitions of non-performing debt portfolios and debt collecting outsourcing while being focused on maintaining long-term relationships with key clients. Besides Poland, Kruk operates on the Romanian, Czech, Slovak, German, Italian and Spanish markets. With the help of its over 3,000 employees, Kruk has successfully closed 2019 at $1.30B company value.
