The renowned legal firm White & Case LLP has successfully guided Rohlik.cz Finance II a.s., an issuer, through its unprecedented CZK 4 billion retail bond issuance. This unique financial instrument offers investors a fixed interest rate along with an extraordinary bonus tied to the equity value of Rohlik Group. The bonds are secured by shares from the company's largest shareholder and introduce a novel feature in the domestic market. Additionally, this issuance signifies a significant step in the expansion and growth strategy of Rohlik, a prominent European online food delivery service that recently partnered with Amazon in Germany.

Breaking New Ground with Unique Financial Instruments

This landmark bond issuance represents a first-of-its-kind initiative in the Czech Republic's retail bond market. Investors have the opportunity to benefit not only from a fixed annual return but also from a potential additional bonus ranging between 20% and 27.5%, contingent on the future valuation of Rohlik Group. This innovative structure sets a new precedent for corporate bond offerings, providing an equity-linked upside that was previously unseen in this market segment.

White & Case LLP played a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of this transaction. Led by partner Petr Hudec, the team provided comprehensive legal advice throughout the process. The bonds, which mature in 2029, are backed by Rohlik.cz Investment a.s., the largest shareholder of Rohlik Group. The issuance, totaling approximately €160 million, demonstrates the growing confidence in Rohlik’s business model and its ability to attract substantial investment. The arrangement was managed by J&T IB Capital Markets, while J&T BANKA, Česká spořitelna, and PPF banka served as joint lead managers, ensuring a smooth execution of the offering.

Expanding Horizons: Rohlik's Strategic Growth Initiatives

Rohlik, a leading European online grocery delivery platform, continues to solidify its position in the market. Operating across several countries including the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Austria, and Romania, the company has achieved unicorn status, valued at over US$1 billion. The recent collaboration with Amazon in Germany further underscores Rohlik's ambition to expand its customer base and enhance its logistics capabilities.

The successful completion of this bond issuance marks another critical milestone for Rohlik as it pursues aggressive growth strategies. By leveraging the capital raised from this innovative financial instrument, Rohlik can invest in technology improvements, infrastructure development, and strategic partnerships. The involvement of White & Case LLP in this transaction highlights the firm's expertise in handling complex capital market transactions. The deal team, led by Petr Hudec, included key contributors such as Jan Vacula, Petr Šmerkl, and Josef Levy, who ensured that all legal aspects were meticulously addressed. This issuance not only strengthens Rohlik's financial position but also positions it well for future expansion opportunities in both existing and new markets.