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Nov 15, 2026
Will Žabka Become Albert? 113 Stores Change Hands in Czech Republic
Prague Morning
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The future of the Žabka convenience store chain in the Czech Republic is uncertain after its acquisition by Ahold Delhaize, the international retail group behind Albert supermarkets.
The deal covers all 113 Žabka locations in the country, but it remains unclear whether the stores will keep their existing name or eventually become part of the Albert network.
Ahold Delhaize agreed to acquire Tesco’s operations in the Czech Republic and Slovakia in late October. The transaction includes Tesco’s hypermarkets and supermarkets, as well as the Žabka chain, which operates through Tesco’s subsidiary, Tesco Franchise Stores ČR.
Customers and franchise operators should not expect immediate changes. The transaction is not expected to close before the fourth quarter of 2027. Until then, Tesco will remain responsible for managing the business.
In its announcement, Ahold Delhaize said it planned to modernise the acquired stores and bring their product ranges and loyalty programmes closer to those offered by Albert. However, the company has not confirmed whether Žabka will retain its brand or be gradually rebranded.
Žabka entered the Czech Republic in 2008, when investment group Penta brought the Polish convenience store concept to the country. Three years later, Tesco acquired the chain together with the Koruna network.
Ahold, meanwhile, has repeatedly brought acquired retail chains under the Albert brand. Its previous portfolio included Mana, Sezam, Prima and Hypernova, as well as stores operated by Julius Meinl.
Tesco Franchise Stores ČR, the company operating Žabka, reported a profit of CZK 16.6 million for the financial year ending in February 2026. A year earlier, it had recorded a loss of CZK 13 million.
The figures have prompted questions about whether all existing locations will remain open.
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