31.3.2026
Investment group Natland has agreed to sell EC Financial Services, one of the first licensed consumer credit providers subject to the control of the Czech National Bank. The new owner will be Provident Financial Czech Republic, part of the International Personal Finance (IPF) group. The transaction is now subject to approval by the relevant authorities and the parties have agreed not to comment on the value.
Successful turnaround
This transaction represents the culmination of more than a decade-long investment and transformation cycle that has seen the stabilisation and professionalisation of a business that is part of a regulated environment with an emphasis on responsible lending. “We see this transaction as another example of a successful turnaround of our ownership interest. It is the natural outcome of several years of work to consolidate, stabilize and grow, in this case, the non-bank consumer finance business, says David Manych, Portfolio Partner of Natland Investment Group for Private Equity & Investments.
The asset, now in its best shape for years, is being handed over to a strategic owner with a robust background, processes and long-term investment horizon. “Natland entered the project at a time when it was crucial to set up governance, capital discipline, risk management and processes to meet the incoming regulation. Today, part of the business is transitioning to a group that has extensive international know-how and the capacity to further develop regulated financial services for a wide range of clients,” adds David Manych.
With this move, Natland is exiting the consumer finance segment to further emphasize and develop the private credit area, where it already has years of know-how in providing secured short-term financing for projects or companies.
Clear rules and a personal approach
For Czech Provident, the strategic merger means not only an expansion of the client portfolio by almost one third, but also an opportunity to effectively combine the personal approach of ECFS sales representatives with Provident’s long-standing international expertise.
“If the transaction is approved, the merger will allow us to expand access to regulated financial services to more households at a time when financial stability is critical for many people. Our goal is to offer customers the best of both brands, such as good local knowledge, a personal touch to each client and clear responsible lending rules,” says Radek Mlčák, CEO of Provident Financial Czech Republic, adding that nothing will change for ECFS clients after the transaction is closed and all contracts and terms and conditions remain valid and unchanged. The aim is to ensure stability, continuity and further development of services for clients without interruption.
The transaction was advised by Deloitte, EY and AK Glatzová Legal Services.
From left: David Manych, Natland & Radek Mlčák, Provident Financial
Natland is an investment group focused on Private Equity, Real Estate and Financial Services, with a strong specialisation and expertise in turnaround management and special situations. Natland’s investment approach combines capital, strategic management and a proactive approach to operations to stabilise, develop and then appropriately value selected assets. It manages assets through investment funds. Natland was founded in 2002 by Tomas Raska.
Media contact:
Hana Filipová
Head of Marketing & Communication
hana.filipova@natland.cz
+420739500844
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