Anton Jašík
Participant of
Smart Deal M&A Challenge 2022
Interview about my Smart Challenge experience
Why did you decide to attend Smart Deal Challenge last year?
I saw this as an opportunity to improve and gain practical experience from the field. Also, I always wanted to work in Penta and saw this as the only way to accomplish it.
What was the biggest challenge on this contest for you?
The second round. You need to perform deep dive analysis of both target and industry for delivery of decent business plan and valuation. All this in short period of time, so you need to be effective.
You mentioned that the case study in the second round was the most significant challenge for you. Can you share a bit more about the topic of the case study and the specific steps you took to familiarize yourself with the industry and develop a compelling business plan?
For the first round, get used to numerical tests based on speed and precision. For the knowledge quiz, recap the basics of corporate finance from your uni classes, if you feel the need to do so. For the second round, keep the presentation of your output simple and straightforward.
What do you do in Penta now?
As an analyst, I have diverse array of responsibilities and tasks necessary for the organic and inorganic growth of Penta’s portfolio. I mostly contribute in Penta’s healthcare and financial services projects. I cooperate with the other project team members on management of the portfolio companies and deal with various challenges within the projects on daily basis.
What do you like most about your job and culture in Penta?
Definitely the self-development and diversity of the job. Basically from the day one I was assigned with interesting tasks that require certain amount of creativity and effectiveness. The solution and goal oriented environment will push you forward each day. I also love that I can cooperate with Investment Managers, Directors and even Partners on daily basis for advice and insight.
What do you like most about your job and culture in Penta?
Definitely the self-development and diversity of the job. Basically from the day one I was assigned with interesting tasks that require certain amount of creativity and effectiveness. The solution and goal oriented environment will push you forward each day. I also love that I can cooperate with Investment Managers, Directors and even Partners on daily basis for advice and insight.
Can you tell me more about the selection process for the Smart Deal Challenge?
As I mentioned already, the first round was based on online tests and it is definitely worth a try. Candidates with best results were asked to prepare a case study. This was presented in front of jury in Prague. I believe the second round usually takes place there.
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ABOUT PENTA
Penta is a Central European investment group established in 1994. Today, it focuses on long-term investments into healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, retail, media and real estate development. Penta is one of the largest employers in the region and provides jobs to more than 43,000 people. The Group operates in more than 10 European countries and has offices in Prague, Bratislava and Warsaw.
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ABOUT PENTA REAL ESTATE
Penta Real Estate was formed by separating the real estate division from the company Penta Investments, whose origins date back to 1994. Penta Group entered the real estate sector in 2005 and has since become the leader in the real estate market in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland.
Our goal is to create buildings that contribute to the urban development of a given location. We therefore work together with top architects and engineers and other respected professionals in the field. Our experience combined with their creativity and focus guarantees the highest quality and investment value of our real estate portfolio.
