Buyout Bets for $34 Billion Czech Utility Face Election Test

Andrej BabisPhotographer: Milan Jaros/Bloomberg

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Peter Laca

October 2, 2025 at 5:00 AM UTC

Updated on

October 2, 2025 at 9:06 AM UTC

Investors are snapping up shares in the Czech Republic’s biggest power utility, betting a potential win for the billionaire challenger in this week’s election will unlock a lucrative government stock buyout.

Andrej Babis, a former prime minister who heads the populist ANO party, has made acquiring the remaining 30% of CEZ AS a centerpiece of his economic program.