How can we introduce someone with a wide range of interests and a generous spirit? After 1991, Václav Daněk ventured into the coal trading and construction industries and became a co-owner of TCHAS. His business endeavours began in the Moravian-Silesian Region, and now he extends his operations across the Czech Republic and neighbouring countries. As the owner of the Ridera Group, the interview he provided not only outlines the business ventures of his family-run group of companies but also highlights their commitment to social responsibility.
You are a company that values tradition and creates a new vision. How does this approach shape your business philosophy?
I have been involved in business since 1991. Until 2007, I worked for TCHAS, which was the fifth-largest construction company in the Czech Republic and the last major Czech company focused on transport construction at the time. After selling the company to French investors, we established Ridera, gradually infusing it with a new vision. Now 18 years old, Ridera has been involved in building rail corridors, especially the second rail corridor. However, our new vision for Ridera emphasises civil engineering, focusing on the housing and tertiary sectors and aligning with contemporary needs.
Following on from the previous question, you could say that you are also a family business. Have you already begun the process of transferring responsibilities and competencies to the next generation?
That is correct; we have been a family business since 2007 after my former minority shareholder exited the company. We are committed to maintaining our status as a family business. I can assure you that the future stages of our company’s development are planned to ensure it remains that way.
The Ridera Group is involved in a diverse range of areas. Could you provide more details on the specific sectors or industries you are active in?
We operate in several sectors, with our primary activities including the construction of residential properties and related services, as well as development projects in the Moravian-Silesian Region.
Following that, we focus on recycling, remediation, waste disposal, and the procurement of materials like gravel, sand, and stone. These activities are currently very important to us as they complement the construction industry, particularly in building preparation, site preparation, and foundation work. Additionally, we have a long-standing focus on trading fossil and green fuels, where we rank among the top three companies in the country.
Let us focus on the development and construction industry – you are ranked among the top 100 Czech companies in this field. Could you share some of your accomplishments with us?
We supply major developers, particularly in Prague, where we are currently constructing over 700 apartments. We work with leading investors like Central Group, FINEP, Conti Real, and are currently collaborating with Sekyra Group.
In the construction sector, we highly value the awards our construction group has received. In particular, it was the award of the expert jury for our work on a beautiful project for PASSERINVEST GROUP in Prague, which is called Oliva. This marvellous elliptical building serves multiple functions and stands out as an architectural gem. We are also proud of the Sky Barrandov project we completed for Conti Real, designed under architect Eva Jiřičná’s supervision. This project earned us the 2019 Developer of the Year award, which we greatly appreciate. We are confident in maintaining our strong presence in the Czech construction market.
You cooperate with prominent architects. You own the site of a former sawmill in the Beskydy region of Ostravice, where you are developing a sports and social complex, as well as a housing estate. What are your plans for this location?
As I have previously mentioned, we serve as a developer supplier in Prague. However, in the Moravian-Silesian Region, we shifted our focus five years ago to developing our own projects, particularly in residential areas.
The key project is the one on the Ostravice River, embodying our slogan, “Tradition with a New Vision”. It involves restoring the archbishop’s sawmill, originally built in 1825 and modernised in 1825 and modernised in 1910. We are bringing the sawmill into a new era, having worked on its restoration for 12 years, with the hope that it will serve for another century.
The architects participating in this project are among the top in the nation. Architect Josef Pleskot, renowned for his work on the Lower Vítkovice area and named architect of the decade, prepared the entire study, including the volume and layout aspects. He worked closely with architect Kamil Mrva on this study.
What is your view on the role of wood in construction?
I believe that the importance of wood in construction is currently somewhat undervalued, as it holds significant ecological benefits for the future. Wood offers advantages like load-bearing strength and environmental sustainability. These qualities are now being utilised in constructing buildings that can compete with raditional structures in both size and aesthetic appeal.
I would mention the HoHo high-rise building in Vienna as an example. This 84-meter-tall building, completed in 2019, is one I have personally visited, and I must say it stands out as one of the most beautiful landmarks in this area of Vienna. I believe that wood is the building material of the future.
You are collaborating with the Sekyra Group not just in Prague but also on a residential project in Ostrava. Could you share more details about it?
As I have already mentioned, we have a significant collaboration with the Sekyra Group in the area of our construction in Prague. On 6 January, we launched two additional buildings on Rohan Island, designed by architect Eva Jiříčná, with a contract valued at over CZK 500 million. Thanks to the excellent cooperation with the Group, we have agreed to and are jointly preparing a project in Ostrava, which has the working title Elza. The goal is to build 534 flats, creating a new housing complex between the Poruba and Svinov districts. We are set to begin construction next year, with the project costing approximately CZK 2.5 billion.
Your Group is known for its involvement in promoting sports and other social responsibility initiatives. What accomplishments are you proud of, and what have you achieved in these areas?
What we are proud of is our commitment to supporting socially beneficial activities in the region, as every ompany operating in the region should do. In addition to planning the new Ostravice project, we are developing the Skalka Family Park and the Ridera Sport complex, all of which provide enjoyment to the residents of Ostrava and the surrounding area. Additionally, we actively sponsor sports. We have been a partner of Vítkovice hockey since 1998, and for the past 10 years, we have been its general partner.
At the same time, we are the general partner of the “Athlete of the Moravian-Silesian Region” awards. We also support smaller clubs and various meaningful initiatives that contribute to the region’s development. We value our long-standing presence in this region and are dedicated to its future growth and development, to which we strive to contribute.
Thank you for the interview.
