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Jumbo S.A. and BALFIN Group Sign Landmark Agreement Extending Exclusive Partnership Across Eurasia

Agreement grants BALFIN exclusive Jumbo operating rights in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan, with a dedicated central logistics hub established in China

BALFIN Group, an investment group present in 12 countries and operating in several industries, and Jumbo S.A., the leading retailer of toys, baby items, seasonal goods, decoration and stationery in Southeast Europe, today announced the signing of a strategic agreement that significantly expands their long-standing partnership. Under the new agreement, BALFIN secures the exclusive rights to operate and develop the Jumbo brand across a new geographic footprint spanning Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

The agreement extends BALFIN’s exclusivity to six additional markets: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan, and establishes a central logistics hub in China to serve the expanded network. This builds on the partnership’s existing footprint in Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Moldova (opening this year).

A New Operational Model

The agreement marks a fundamental evolution in the operating model between the two partners. In the existing markets of Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Moldova, inventory management and logistics have been supported primarily through Jumbo’s operations in Greece. Under the new agreement, BALFIN will independently manage the entire supply chain for the new territories, from sourcing in China through to warehousing, transportation and last-mile distribution across Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

To support this expansion, BALFIN will build its own end-to-end logistics network, anchored by a central hub in China and connected through dedicated warehousing and distribution infrastructure across the new operating region.

Statement from BALFIN Group

“This agreement is a powerful endorsement of the capability and ambition our team has built over more than a decade of partnership with Jumbo SA. Extending our exclusivity into Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan, and taking full ownership of the logistics chain from China to the final customer, is a strategic leap that places BALFIN among the most ambitious retail operators in the region. It reflects the trust Jumbo S.A. has placed in us, and our confidence in the long-term growth potential of these markets,” said Samir Mane, President of BALFIN Group.

Statement from Jumbo S.A.

“Our partnership with BALFIN has consistently delivered strong results across every market in which we operate together. The performance, professionalism and operational discipline of the BALFIN team have given us full confidence to entrust them with this significantly larger territory and with the independent management of the supply chain. We are proud to extend our cooperation into these new and dynamic markets, and we look forward to bringing the Jumbo experience to millions of new customers,” said Apostolos – Evangelos Vakakis, Founder and Chairman of Jumbo S.A..

The expansion is expected to drive significant job creation, infrastructure investment and know-how transfer across the new operating markets, and to strengthen trade and commercial ties between the Western Balkans, the European Union and the wider Eurasian region.

— ENDS —

About BALFIN Group

BALFIN Group is a diversified private investment group founded in Vienna in 1993 by Samir Mane. With a growing presence across Europe and North America, the Group operates in 12 countries and 2 continents.

BALFIN’s portfolio spans nine industries, including banking, real estate, retail, asset management, hospitality, logistics, education, energy, and entertainment. The Group employs more than 5,500 people of 24 nationalities and is a trusted partner of international financial institutions and global brands.

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About Jumbo S.A.

Listed on the Athens Stock Exchange, Jumbo S.A. is a leading retailer in Southeast Europe, offering toys, baby products, seasonal items, home decoration and stationery. The company operates an extensive network of stores across Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria and Romania, and supplies partners in additional markets through a franchise and distribution model.

Media Contact

Jumbo SA Email: xxxxBALFIN Group Email: media@balfin.al  
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west park 1
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