In this interview, Edgar Kolesnik, Partner at Abris Capital Partners, lays out a clear case for why Emerging Europe—particularly the EU11 countries—remains one of the most attractive yet undercapitalized regions for private equity.
According to Kolesnik, the region’s appeal goes well beyond macroeconomic headlines:
🔹 Structural growth: Central and Eastern Europe accounts for 25% of the EU population, but only 10% of its GDP—indicating decades of economic headroom.
🔹 Low capital penetration: The supply of small and mid-sized companies needing transformation remains high, while institutional capital remains limited.
🔹 Deep talent pools: The region boasts experienced, cost-effective STEM talent and maturing executive leadership—essential for scaling.
At Abris, the focus is on value creation through transformation. Whether it’s international expansion, digitization, or succession, each investment is made with a clear exit strategy in mind. Their philosophy? "Sell before you buy."
A case in point is Alsendo, a logistics player that became the #1 delivery and shipping management company in Central Europe after 11 strategic acquisitions and a sharp growth plan.
Despite global uncertainty, Abris executed five successful exits worth over €1 billion last year, demonstrating that preparedness and clear positioning can drive liquidity even in slow markets.
The conversation also highlights the firm’s strong ESG focus. Abris tracks more than 600 ESG indicators across its portfolio—not just to manage downside risk, but to enhance long-term value and exit potential.
“This region has enormous potential—but we need to communicate its strengths better to global investors,” Kolesnik says. “If you know where to look, you’ll find high-growth companies with global potential.”
🎧 Listen to the full interview to hear how Abris is building tomorrow’s regional champions and unlocking scalable value in one of Europe’s most dynamic private equity landscapes.
