SPAR Austria sells Hervis’ Austrian-based business, new owner takes over regional stores

By: Trademagazin Date: 2026. 01. 30. 10:31

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SPAR Group is divesting its Austrian-based sports store chain, Hervis: the buyer is a group of investors, the majority owner of which is Sven Voth, who is also acquiring a stake in Udo Schloemer too. The parties did not disclose the purchase price.

The transaction involves a total of 134 stores in Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and Bavaria, and the affected They will also take over the workforce (in Austria, the number of employees was last around 1,360).

The background is the chain’s loss-making operations: according to reports, Hervis accumulated a total loss of more than 100 million euros in 2023–2024, while turnover also decreased.

What does this mean for the Hungarian market? It is important to note that the Hervis businesses in Hungary and Romania were previously excluded from the package: these were sold separately by SPAR in 2025 to the British Frasers Group (owner of Sports Direct).

According to the buyer’s plans, Hervis may move away from its discount pricing policy in the future, and may place greater emphasis on sports equipment and supplies, as well as online sales.