Tomáš Lang
Winner of
Smart Deal M&A Challenge 2023
Interview about my Smart Challenge experience
Why did you decide to attend Smart Deal Challenge last year?
I was really excited about the opportunity to attend the SmartDeal Challenge. The top eight graduates, selected through a first round, competing for a significant amount of money, prestige, and, most importantly, a job offer from a leading PE firm in CEE ? That was exactly the kind of challenge I not only wanted to be part of but also was determined to win.
What was the biggest challenge on this contest for you?
Definitely the time pressure. While participating in the Smart Deal challenge, I was also working full-time for another company. Although we had five days to complete the analysis and prepare the presentation, I could only dedicate half of that time. With careful planning and prioritization, I managed to finish everything I wanted on time, but it was quite challenging.
If you would have a chance to participate in Smart Deal Challenge again, what would you do differently?
I would probably take a bit more time to fine-tune the formatting of my presentation.
What tips would you give to other students thinking of entering the competition?
Take your time to read the case study carefully and plan your approach. The case study is complex, and it's easy to get lost in the details. A well-structured plan helps you focus on what's really important. However, the most important tip I can give you is to enjoy the challenge and have fun participating.
What do you do in PENTA now?
Mostly, I’m working on Fortuna’s M&A activities, preparing valuations, and handling other ad hoc tasks related to the Fortuna project. Additionally, I’m also involved in the process of launching the PENTA Fund which will provide qualified investors with the opportunity to invest with PENTA.
What do you like the most about you job and culture in PENTA?
I truly appreciate how quickly I was entrusted with important tasks and how my opinions are valued by everyone, including the PENTA partners. I also value my colleagues' honesty, friendliness, and drive. I particularly appreciate that there’s no beating around the bush here, issues are addressed directly and promptly.
Can you tell me more about the selection process for the Smart Deal Challenge?
The first round is focused on logical thinking and general financial knowledge. Once you pass this, the second round is similar to the actual work, you will need to understand the situation, came up with a plan, analyze data, and present your conclusions to PENTA's management. But don't worry just like in real work, if anything is unclear, you can always ask for clarification.
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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.
