Empresa Media and TV Barrandov buildings sold for CZK 759 million in high-stakes auction

In a dramatic auction, the Empresa Media building and the TV Barrandov studio were sold for a combined CZK 759 million, fetching three times their starting prices. The sales, conducted to settle debts linked to media magnate Jaromír Soukup, mark a significant shift for these high-profile properties.

The Empresa Media property, located on Mikulecká Street in Prague 4-Braník, was acquired by Prague City Hall for CZK 649 million. The site includes land and additional buildings, with a starting bid set at CZK 201 million.

Meanwhile, the Barrandov TV studio, situated in the iconic Barrandov film studios in Hlubočepy, was sold for CZK 110 million to a company owned by businessman Tomáš Chrenek. The studio had an initial auction price of CZK 43 million.

Both sales were executed through involuntary auctions initiated by the Brno-venkov Executor’s Office to satisfy claims held by the IFIS Investment Fund. These proceedings also aim to finance the reorganization of Empresa Media and Barrandov Television Studio, approved as part of their insolvency process.

Councillor Adam Zábranský (Pirates) confirmed the city’s acquisition of the Braník property and highlighted its potential for diverse uses.

“We were notified about the auction just a month ago, but this acquisition offers numerous opportunities. The buildings’ internal layout is versatile, allowing for potential apartments, commercial spaces, or even educational facilities,” Zábranský told the Czech News Agency.

He added that the city is considering transforming the site into a high school or similar educational facility, which would address pressing local needs. A detailed study will be commissioned to evaluate the best uses for the property.

The Empresa Media and Barrandov TS properties were previously owned by Jaromír Soukup, a prominent media figure. Recently, entrepreneur Jan Čermák acquired Empresa Media, Barrandov Television Studio, and Media Master from Soukup as part of ongoing insolvency proceedings. The court has approved a reorganization plan for these companies to address their financial challenges.

The sale of these landmark properties represents a significant development in Prague’s real estate and media landscape. For Prague City Hall, the acquisition of the Braník site could provide a vital opportunity to repurpose the property for community benefit. For the Barrandov TV studio, its future under the ownership of Tomáš Chrenek’s company remains to be seen, though its connection to the storied Barrandov film studios adds a layer of intrigue to the transaction.

With plans now underway to determine the next steps for these properties, the auctions mark both an end and a new beginning for Empresa Media and TV Barrandov’s physical footprints.

Source: CTK
Photo: CTK