EPH Group AG Revolutionizes Real Estate Financing: Innovative “Land-for-Equity” Model Sets New Standards in Hotel and Tourism Development

Vienna, September 10, 2025 – EPH Group AG (EPH) is positioning itself as a pioneer in a challenging market environment, presenting its innovative “Land-for-Equity” model as a groundbreaking alternative to traditional project financing. Under this model, sellers of land and development projects receive the purchase price fully or partially in the form of EPH shares. At a time when conventional bank loans are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain, EPH is focusing on innovation and partnership – creating a win-win situation for property owners, investors, and tourism locations in the German-speaking region. EPH Group AG shares will soon be listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Funding Shortage Hampers Tourism Development – EPH Provides a Solution

Currently, many project developers, investors, and owners of tourism-eligible properties face significant hurdles: high interest rates and restrictive lending practices are impeding the acquisition and development of hotels, resorts, and tourism infrastructure. As a result, numerous high-quality properties remain unused or drop out of the market altogether, even though there is an urgent need for investment in the hotel sector – whether for modernization, generational transition, or strategic repositioning.

The Land-for-Equity Model – An Innovation with Signaling Power

The model is clearly defined: property owners receive the purchase price for their land fully or partially in the form of liquid, publicly traded shares of EPH. It applies to transactions where at least EUR 1,000,000 or 30% of the total purchase price is paid in shares. The property must be located in Austria or Germany, with exceptions possible for other EU countries or Switzerland.

The model allows landowners to sell their properties quickly and easily, while offering attractive upside potential by allowing them to participate in the company’s value growth.

With each transaction, EPH’s corporate value increases, equity capital rises, and the balance sheet structure is strengthened. This improves EPH’s financing capabilities on the capital markets and facilitates further project acquisitions. As such, the model not only conserves liquidity and diversifies risk, but also lays a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

The model has already enabled the acquisition of three new projects. In each case, a significant portion of the purchase price was agreed to be paid in shares, thereby increasing the equity capital of EPH Group AG by approximately EUR 3.35 million.

White Paper on the “Land-for-Equity” Financing Model

The legal and tax frameworks of the model have been detailed in a joint white paper by Müller Partner Rechtsanwälte GmbH and ARTUS Steuerberatung GmbH & Co KG. The document is available for download on EPH’s website: https://eph-group.com/en/acquisitions/land-for-equity

Owners Become Partners – and Shareholders

A central element of the model: by contributing their property, landowners become shareholders of EPH. They benefit not only from the success of their own project but also from EPH’s entire project pipeline. Long-term partnerships with real estate-savvy entrepreneurs also generate additional networking effects for EPH. Property owners and project developers are invited to propose suitable assets or project ideas to the company. Additionally, joint development of projects in partnership with the landowners is possible.

Scalability Meets Capital Market Appeal

“Our Land-for-Equity model is not just a response to the current financing shortage – it is a strategic lever for accelerated growth, capital market access, and partnership-driven development,” says Alexander Lühr, CEO of EPH Group AG. “It is scalable, efficient, and strengthens our position as an integrated project developer in the tourism sector.”

The positive signaling effect of each transaction for investors and capital market participants is clear: EPH Group is not only a project developer but also an innovator and trailblazer for a new way of thinking in real estate financing.

Contact Investors / Press:
max. Equity Marketing GmbH
Maximilian Fischer
Marienplatz 2
80331 Munich
Phone.: +49 89 139 2889 0
E-mail: m.fischer@max-em.de

About EPH Group AG:

EPH Group AG is a team of investors, project developers, hotel real estate, financing and capital market experts. The company plans to build a diversified portfolio of high-yield hotels and resorts in the premium and luxury segment in Austria, Germany and other top European destinations. Due to the long experience of the EPH team, there is an excellent market access and a full acquisition pipeline. In the areas of feasibility study, due diligence, valuation, contract management, M&A, portfolio strategy, development and construction, EPH Group AG works together with the leading hotel and tourism consulting companies in Austria and Germany. This allows the company to draw on comprehensive expertise and develop the best possible strategy for each project. Further information is available at https://eph-group.com/en