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Cyprus Bank Deposits Rebound As Lending Growth Accelerates

Cyprus’ banking sector recorded higher deposits and lending in May 2026, according to the latest monetary financial institutions data released by the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC).

Deposits Rebound After April Decline

Total deposits increased by €343.8 million in May, reversing a net decline of €123.1 million recorded in April. The annual growth rate accelerated to 5.1%, up from 4.5% a month earlier. By the end of May, total deposits stood at €58 billion.

Cyprus residents accounted for most of the monthly increase, with deposits rising by €239 million. Household deposits grew by €171.3 million, while non-financial corporations increased their deposits by €194 million.

Those gains were partly offset by a combined decline of €126.2 million in deposits held by other domestic sectors.

Lending Growth Accelerates

Total loans increased by €260.3 million in May, compared with a €40.5 million rise in April. The annual growth rate also strengthened, reaching 12.6% from 12.0% the previous month. Outstanding loans totalled €28.1 billion at the end of May.

Lending to Cyprus residents rose by €173.7 million during the month. Household borrowing increased by €52.7 million, while loans to non-financial corporations grew by €63 million. Lending to other domestic sectors expanded by €58 million.

Cyprus Faces Persistent Labour Shortages Across Healthcare, Technology And Tourism

Cyprus is facing a widening labour market mismatch, with 63 occupations in shortage and 11 in surplus in 2024, according to the EURES Labour Shortages and Surpluses Report 2025.

The findings highlight continued recruitment challenges across several of the island’s key industries, particularly healthcare, technology and tourism.

Healthcare And Technology Face The Greatest Shortages

Healthcare occupations recorded some of the most severe shortages, including nurses, midwives, medical imaging technicians, general practitioners, specialist doctors, healthcare assistants and health and care services managers.

Demand also remains high for technology professionals. Employers reported shortages of information and communications technology sales specialists, systems analysts, software and applications developers, as well as web and multimedia developers.

Transport and hospitality occupations were also affected, with waiters and bus drivers among the professions experiencing shortages.

Tourism, Retail And Construction Continue To Feel The Pressure

Moderate shortages were identified across occupations linked to tourism, retail and construction. These include restaurant managers, retail and wholesale managers, accountants, electricians, electronics and mechanical technicians, chefs, shop sales assistants and cashiers.

Construction and industrial trades also remained under pressure. Builders, air conditioning and refrigeration technicians, welders, heavy goods vehicle drivers, cleaners and workers in agriculture, livestock, fisheries and construction-related services were all listed among occupations facing shortages.

Lower-severity shortages were recorded for engineers across several disciplines, hotel receptionists, cooks, carpenters, plumbers, electrical fitters, bakers and kitchen assistants.

Cyprus Reflects A Wider European Trend

Cyprus mirrors a broader labour market imbalance across the European Union, although shortages vary significantly between member states. Bulgaria, Italy and the Netherlands reported shortages across a wide range of occupations, from doctors to welders, with 57% classified as moderate or severe. Latvia, Austria and Finland, by contrast, recorded more labour surpluses, particularly in administrative and creative occupations.

According to the report, 98% of occupations experiencing shortages in at least one member state also recorded surpluses elsewhere in the European Union.

Structural Barriers Continue To Limit Labour Mobility

EURES attributes these imbalances to several structural factors, including limited awareness of job opportunities abroad, difficulties in recognising professional qualifications, language barriers and wage differences between countries.

Healthcare and social care remain among the sectors facing the greatest shortages across Europe, driven by ageing populations and growing demand for healthcare services.

Demand is also increasing for technical occupations linked to the green transition, including electricians, plumbers and roof technicians, as countries continue investing in energy efficiency and infrastructure.

Measures Proposed To Address Labour Gaps

The report recommends strengthening labour mobility across the European Union by simplifying the recognition of professional qualifications and reducing administrative barriers. It also calls for improvements in job quality, greater investment in vocational education and training, and measures to encourage higher labour market participation among women, older workers and migrants.

The findings are based on administrative data submitted by EURES National Coordination Offices for 2024, drawing on information from public employment services and other national sources across the European Union.

EU Invests €79 Billion In Environmental Protection As Companies Lead Spending

European Union member states invested €79 billion in environmental protection assets in 2025, according to Eurostat, reflecting continued spending on infrastructure aimed at reducing environmental impacts and managing natural resources.

The investment represented 0.4% of the EU’s gross domestic product and 1.9% of total investment across the economy.

Wastewater Treatment Receives The Largest Share

Wastewater treatment attracted the largest share of environmental protection investment, accounting for 37.7% of total spending. Waste management followed with 27.3%, while air and climate protection projects represented 11.2%.

Companies Lead Environmental Investment

Businesses accounted for €49.6 billion, or 62.7%, of total environmental protection investment. Spending focused on specialised technologies and equipment designed to reduce the environmental impact of production processes.

These investments included equipment to reduce air emissions, the construction and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities, vehicles used for waste transport, and waste collection plants. Companies also invested in land for natural reserves and biodiversity protection.

Public Sector Provides The Remaining Investment

General government and non-profit institutions accounted for the remaining 37.3% of environmental protection investment.

Eurostat’s figures show that wastewater treatment, waste management and air and climate protection accounted for the largest share of environmental protection investment across the European Union in 2025.

Luxury Market Regains Momentum As US Demand Outperforms Forecasts

The global personal luxury goods market is showing early signs of recovery in the second quarter, even as geopolitical tensions continue to weigh on consumer confidence. According to Bain & Company, stronger-than-expected demand in the United States has helped offset weakness in other major markets.

In its latest annual outlook, Bain said its base-case scenario now forecasts personal luxury sales to grow by between 2% and 4% this year. That compares with a previous projection of 3% to 5%, published in November before the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran reshaped the macroeconomic outlook.

Valued at €358 billion ($406 billion) in 2025, the global personal luxury goods market has contracted over the past two years. At current exchange rates, sales declined by 2% in 2025, although they increased by 1% at constant exchange rates, highlighting the impact of currency movements on the sector’s overall performance.

Experiences Continue To Outperform Products

Spending on experiences continues to outpace purchases of luxury goods, according to the report, which Bain prepared in partnership with Italian luxury association Altagamma. The findings suggest consumers are becoming more selective, directing discretionary spending toward travel, hospitality and other experience-led services rather than exclusively toward handbags, watches and apparel.

“We see growing uncertainty and turmoil at the macroeconomic and socio-political levels, but the market is there,” Bain partner Francesca Levato told Reuters.

The U.S. Leads While Europe Remains Under Pressure

Stronger-than-expected growth in the United States, supported by domestic brands and younger consumers, is helping offset weaker demand in Europe and the Middle East. China is also showing gradual signs of recovery, with ready-to-wear outperforming leather goods as consumer preferences continue to evolve.

“America is growing more than expected, and China is recovering faster than expected,” Levato said.

Europe, meanwhile, continues to face weaker tourist flows, although Bain reported signs of stabilisation in May.

Luxury Brands Face A Smaller Customer Base

According to Levato, the luxury industry has lost around 70 million consumers since 2022 as brands increased prices and focused more heavily on their highest-spending customers. While that strategy may have supported margins, it also reduced the industry’s consumer base.

“The industry should refuel the growth of the consumer base rather than focus only on the top 1 per cent,” she said.

AI And Resale Continue To Influence Buying Decisions

The report also points to the growing role of artificial intelligence in luxury shopping. Around half of luxury consumers already use AI during the purchasing process, primarily to discover brands and compare products.

Resale is also becoming increasingly influential. Half of luxury shoppers now consult second-hand marketplaces before purchasing new items, reflecting the expanding role of pre-owned goods in consumers’ buying decisions.

Microsoft’s 2026 Price Hikes Force Businesses To Reassess Software Budgets

Businesses in Cyprus and across global markets are preparing for higher software costs as Microsoft raises prices across much of its corporate subscription portfolio from July 1, 2026.

The changes will affect most business subscription plans, with prices for some products increasing by as much as 33%. For many organisations, the new rates will take effect automatically when existing contracts come up for renewal.

AI Features Drive Higher Subscription Costs

Industry analysts say the price increases reflect Microsoft’s decision to incorporate more artificial intelligence capabilities and additional security features into its products. As a result, organisations will pay higher subscription fees regardless of whether employees actively use those tools.

Standard workplace packages are expected to increase by between 12% and 16%. The largest adjustment, 33%, applies to Microsoft 365 F1, or Frontline, plans designed for employees in production, retail and field-based roles.

Those workers typically require communication tools and access to essential business applications rather than the full range of AI-powered features included in premium subscriptions. For organisations with large frontline workforces, the higher pricing could significantly increase software licensing costs.

Companies Reassess Licensing Strategies

According to software broker Forscope, Microsoft’s revised pricing is encouraging more organisations to consider hybrid software management models. These combine perpetual licences for core Office applications, often purchased through the secondary market, with lower-cost cloud subscriptions for communication and collaboration.

For many businesses, the objective is to align software spending more closely with employees’ actual requirements instead of paying for premium features that are not widely used.

Cost Comparison Highlights Potential Savings

Forscope compared software costs for a company with 100 users over three years. Maintaining Microsoft Office 365 E3 for all employees is estimated to cost €580,000 over that period. A hybrid model combining Office LTSC Professional Plus 2024 with Office 365 E1 would reduce that figure to an estimated €396,000.

According to Forscope, the hybrid approach could save a 100-user organisation as much as €190,198 over three years while continuing to provide the software needed for day-to-day operations.

Software Spending Comes Under Greater Scrutiny

Microsoft’s latest pricing changes are prompting businesses to review how they allocate technology budgets as subscription costs continue to rise alongside the rollout of AI features.

Organisations with large frontline workforces are expected to feel the greatest impact, since even relatively small increases in licensing costs can translate into significantly higher overall spending. As a result, hybrid licensing models are becoming one option for businesses looking to balance software costs with operational needs.

Renewables And Biofuels Account For 8.7% Of EU Services Sector Energy Use

Energy demand in the European Union’s services sector continued to rise in 2024, reflecting the growing power needs of an increasingly digital and customer-oriented economy. According to Eurostat, final energy consumption reached 4,971 petajoules, up from 4,886 petajoules in 2023.

That marks a year-on-year increase of 1.7%. Over the longer term, energy consumption in the sector has grown by 25% since 1990.

Services Still Trail Transport, Households And Industry

Despite that growth, services accounted for 13.5% of total final energy consumption across the EU in 2024. Transport remained the largest consumer at 32.3%, followed by households at 26.0% and industry at 24.5%.

Only agriculture, forestry and fishing recorded a smaller share, representing 3.6% of final energy consumption.

Electricity And Natural Gas Continue To Dominate

Electricity and natural gas remained the primary energy sources for the services sector, together accounting for more than three-quarters of total consumption.

More than half of all energy use came from electricity (52.0%), while natural gas accounted for a further 25.4%. Renewables and biofuels contributed 8.7%, heat represented 7.7%, and oil and petroleum products 5.6%. The remaining 0.6% came from other sources, including coal and waste.

Wholesale And Retail Trade Tops Energy Use

Wholesale and retail trade remained the largest energy-consuming services subsector in 2024, using 1,021 petajoules, or 21.2% of the sector’s total consumption.

Human health and social work activities followed with 506 petajoules, representing 10.5%, while accommodation and food service activities consumed 503 petajoules, also equal to 10.5%.

Professional, scientific and technical activities, together with other service activities, accounted for the remaining 492 petajoules, or 10.2%.

A Gradual Shift In Energy Demand

Although services are not the EU’s largest energy-consuming sector, their energy footprint continues to expand. Growing reliance on electrification and digital infrastructure across offices, retail, healthcare and hospitality is steadily increasing electricity demand while reinforcing the importance of energy efficiency and a more diversified energy mix.

The Highest-Paid Players At The 2026 World Cup

Two new billionaires headline a starting XI that collectively earned an estimated $950 million over the 12 months leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This year’s tournament will be marked by a series of firsts. For the first time in its 96-year history, the FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams. It will also be the first edition hosted by three countries, the United States, Canada and Mexico, and staged across a record 16 cities.

Another milestone will come on the pitch. Cristiano Ronaldo, who will captain Portugal at 41, and Lionel Messi, leading defending champions Argentina at 38, will become the first billionaire players to compete at a World Cup.

Attending the tournament may also become a milestone of its own. With ticket prices reaching unprecedented levels, the World Cup is increasingly becoming a luxury experience. FIFA recently listed a ticket for the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey for $32,970, three times the price offered in April and more than 20 times the price of an equivalent ticket for the 2022 final in Qatar. Resale prices have climbed even higher, with FIFA’s own platform at one point listing four final tickets at nearly $2.3 million each.

Here are the 11 highest-paid players competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The World’s Highest-Paid World Cup Players

1. Cristiano Ronaldo — $300 Million

Nationality: Portugal | Age: 41 | On-field: $235 million | Off-field: $65 million

Ronaldo remains football’s highest-paid player and the world’s highest-paid athlete across all sports. His estimated $300 million in earnings over the past year matches Floyd Mayweather Jr. for the largest annual income Forbes has ever recorded for an athlete, excluding inflation.

Forbes estimates Ronaldo’s net worth at $1.2 billion, making him one of only a handful of active billionaire athletes. He will compete in a record sixth World Cup while still chasing the only major title missing from his career. Confidence is also high after helping Al-Nassr win the Saudi Pro League last month, his first league title since joining the club in 2023.

2. Lionel Messi — $140 Million

Nationality: Argentina | Age: 38 | On-field: $70 million | Off-field: $70 million

Like Ronaldo, Messi has joined Forbes’ billionaire ranks, with an estimated net worth of $1.1 billion. He is also preparing for a record sixth World Cup as Argentina attempts to defend the title it won in 2022.

Individual history is also within reach. Four goals would see Messi overtake Miroslav Klose to become the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.

Away from the pitch, his commercial appeal remains as strong as ever. Messi appears in new campaigns for Adidas alongside Bad Bunny and Timothée Chalamet, as well as for Michelob Ultra with Christian Pulisic and Billy Bob Thornton. Lowe’s has also launched a 10-foot inflatable Messi for $99.

3. Kylian Mbappé — $95 Million

Nationality: France | Age: 27 | On-field: $70 million | Off-field: $25 million

Mbappé has played in three fewer World Cups than Messi but trails him by just one goal on the tournament’s all-time scoring list. That finishing ability also helped him become Real Madrid’s top scorer in the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League campaign.

Having won the World Cup with France at 19 before reaching another final four years later, Mbappé remains one of football’s most marketable stars. Ahead of this summer’s tournament, he signed a partnership with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and joined health insurer Alan as both an ambassador and investor.

4. Erling Haaland — $80 Million

Nationality: Norway | Age: 25 | On-field: $60 million | Off-field: $20 million

Haaland signed a long-term contract extension with Manchester City last year, but speculation about his future has continued. Most recently, renewable energy entrepreneur Enrique Riquelme said he would try to sign the striker if elected Real Madrid president, prompting a legal response from City.

Attention now turns to the World Cup, where Norway will make its first appearance since 1998, two years before Haaland was born. Despite the expectations, he appears comfortable with the spotlight. As he recently told GQ, “It’s a lot of pressure on me, but I like the pressure.”

5. Vinicius Jr. — $60 Million

Nationality: Brazil | Age: 25 | On-field: $40 million | Off-field: $20 million

Vinicius has taken a realistic view of Brazil’s chances. Speaking to creator Ibai Llanos in February, he said Argentina, Portugal, Spain and France were ahead of Brazil, a view he repeated in March by saying the five-time champions should not be considered tournament favourites.

Brazil nevertheless enters the World Cup aiming to end a 24-year wait for another title. Off the field, Vinicius could soon add another commercial partnership after fans spotted what appeared to be a Fortnite skin inspired by the Real Madrid forward in a recent Nike advertisement, although no collaboration has been officially announced.

6. Mohamed Salah — $55 Million

Nationality: Egypt | Age: 33 | On-field: $35 million | Off-field: $20 million

After nine seasons, 257 goals and two Premier League titles, Salah is set to leave Liverpool. In March, he agreed to terminate his contract a year early, paving the way for a free transfer this summer.

The “Egyptian King” will now lead Egypt into its fourth World Cup appearance. Although the Pharaohs have won a record seven Africa Cup of Nations titles, they have never claimed a victory at the World Cup. That could change in Group G, where Egypt will face Belgium, Iran and New Zealand.

7. Sadio Mané — $54 Million

Nationality: Senegal | Age: 34 | On-field: $50 million | Off-field: $4 million

Mané has lifted two major trophies this year, although only one remains official. Before winning the Saudi Pro League alongside Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, he helped Senegal win the Africa Cup of Nations in January. The title was later revoked after players walked off during the final in protest over a disputed penalty awarded to Morocco.

Returning to the World Cup after missing the 2022 tournament through injury, Mané could help Senegal reach the quarterfinals for the first time in 24 years. A strong campaign would also come at an important time as his Al-Nassr contract approaches its expiration.

8. Jude Bellingham — $44 Million

Nationality: England | Age: 22 | On-field: $29 million | Off-field: $15 million

Bellingham is one of three Real Madrid players featured in this ranking, alongside Mbappé and Vinicius. Although only 22, he played a key role for England at the 2022 World Cup, becoming the country’s second-youngest scorer in tournament history and adding an assist in the round of 16.

That performance helped secure a transfer worth more than $100 million from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid. Even so, England manager Thomas Tuchel said this week that Bellingham will have to compete for playing time in a squad featuring “14 or 15 potential starters.”

9. Lamine Yamal — $43 Million

Nationality: Spain | Age: 18 | On-field: $33 million | Off-field: $10 million

Yamal missed the closing stages of Barcelona’s La Liga title-winning season with a hamstring injury but has since returned to training with Spain. Barcelona has reportedly placed restrictions on his involvement during the World Cup.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Yamal could be limited to 15 minutes as a substitute in Spain’s opening match against Cape Verde and up to 60 minutes against Saudi Arabia. Even with those limitations, the teenager remains one of the tournament’s biggest commercial stars, appearing in World Cup campaigns for Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Powerade and Visa after signing with American Eagle in January.

10. Harry Kane — $41 Million

Nationality: England | Age: 32 | On-field: $29 million | Off-field: $12 million

Kane is the only Bundesliga player in this ranking, representing Bayern Munich. He also remains England’s all-time leading scorer, with 79 goals in 113 international appearances.

England’s captain will be looking to build on the team’s runner-up finish at UEFA Euro 2024, where he shared the Golden Boot as the tournament’s leading scorer. His form has already carried into this year after scoring in England’s World Cup warm-up victory over New Zealand, taking his 2026 tally to 32 goals for club and country, 14 more than any other player in the world, according to ESPN.

11. Neymar — $38 Million

Nationality: Brazil | Age: 34 | On-field: $10 million | Off-field: $28 million

Neymar continues to recover from a calf injury that ruled him out of Brazil’s World Cup warm-up matches. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has said he will need to compete with Vinicius Jr. and Raphinha for playing time once he returns to full fitness.

Brazil has nevertheless handed Neymar the iconic No. 10 shirt for this summer’s tournament, making him the first Brazilian to wear the number at four World Cups. Legends including Pelé, Zico, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Kaká have previously worn the jersey.

Methodology

Forbes’ ranking measures earnings over the 12 months leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All figures are converted into U.S. dollars using exchange rates as of May and rounded to the nearest $1 million.

On-field earnings include salaries, bonuses and, where applicable, club-based image rights agreements during the 2025–26 season. Because Lionel Messi’s MLS contract follows a calendar-year schedule, his on-field estimate reflects the previous 12 months.

Off-field earnings include cash income from endorsements, licensing, appearances, memorabilia and returns from businesses in which the athlete holds a significant stake. For some players, including Messi and Ronaldo, subsidies from club or league sponsors are included in the on-field estimate.

Estimates are based on news reports, public databases such as Capology.com and information provided by industry sources, many of whom requested anonymity. Forbes also acknowledges soccer correspondent Tancredi Palmeri, DODICI Sports Management’s Mariano Trasande and Xeric Sports Management’s Shea Richard Soma.

Investment income, including interest and dividends, is excluded, while proceeds from the sale of equity stakes are included. Taxes, agents’ fees and transfer fees are not reflected in the estimates.

Cyprus Hotel Bookings Recover, But Season Still Set For 20% Loss

Hotel bookings in Cyprus are showing signs of recovery after months of disruption linked to tensions in the Middle East. However, the island’s tourism industry is still facing an average loss of about 20 per cent for the remainder of the season, according to the president of the hotel managers association.

Booking Momentum Returns, But Losses Persist

Christos Angelides said the wave of cancellations recorded over the past two to three months has eased, with bookings improving both in the short term and for the remainder of the season.

Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, he said demand has yet to recover sufficiently to offset earlier losses or deliver what would normally be considered a strong year for the tourism sector.

Hotels Adjust Pricing To Support Demand

Hotels and other tourism businesses are responding with more competitive pricing and targeted promotional campaigns, including offers aimed at the domestic market. Angelides noted that airfares and accommodation prices in competing destinations have also increased.

“Destinations which were previously considered cheaper than us no longer are,” he said. At the same time, he expects more Cypriots to weigh household budgets before choosing to travel abroad.

Airlines And Israeli Tourism Show Early Signs Of Recovery

Asked about flight cancellations and route adjustments, Angelides said airlines have reduced some services because of higher aviation fuel costs. He expressed hope that easing regional tensions would lower fuel prices and airfares, supporting a stronger autumn and potentially winter season.

Visitor numbers from Israel have also started to recover after falling to almost zero for roughly two to three months. Angelides said daily arrivals are increasing and that even short stays of two or three days would provide meaningful support to the tourism industry. Last-minute bookings, he added, are already helping to strengthen demand and could continue to support the sector through the rest of the season.

Protecting Cyprus’ Tourism Reputation

Despite weaker occupancy rates, Angelides said maintaining service quality remains essential. He identified two immediate priorities for the sector: recovering from the decline in hotel occupancy recorded in March, April and May, and safeguarding Cyprus’ reputation as “a quality and pleasant destination” built over many years.

Angelides also called for a sustained promotional campaign through the end of 2027 to help restore momentum in international markets and dispel any remaining concerns about Cyprus as a safe destination.

Report Links Russian Hackers To Jaguar Land Rover Cyberattack

A cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover that disrupted production for months is now being linked to Russian hackers, according to a report by The New York Times citing people familiar with the investigation. The breach is estimated to have cost the British economy $2.5 billion and prompted the U.K. government to back a £1.5 billion loan guarantee for the automaker.

Pressure On A Strategic National Asset

Jaguar Land Rover is one of the United Kingdom’s largest manufacturers and employers. The cyberattack disrupted production for months, affecting the company’s operations and wider supply chain.

New Reporting Points To Russian Actors

For months, the identity of the attackers remained unknown. People familiar with the investigation told The New York Times that the hackers behind the breach were Russian. Whether they acted on behalf of the Russian government, operated independently or worked with tacit state support remains unclear.

An Investigation Involving Multiple Agencies

Microsoft identified the Russian hacking group and alerted Jaguar Land Rover, The New York Times reported. Authorities and cybersecurity firms involved in the investigation included the FBI, the U.K.’s National Crime Agency, the National Cyber Security Centre, Google’s Mandiant and Palo Alto Networks.

A Second Intruder Complicates The Investigation

The report also said a Jordanian hacker known as Rey gained access to parts of Jaguar Land Rover’s network, adding another layer to the investigation into the breach.

General Atlantic Appoints Novak Djokovic As Global Strategic Advisor

General Atlantic has appointed tennis icon Novak Djokovic as a global strategic advisor, bringing one of the most accomplished athletes in modern sport into its leadership circle as the firm expands its focus on wellness, innovation and sports-related investing.

Why Djokovic Fits The Mandate

According to a General Atlantic press release, Djokovic will work closely with the firm’s leadership, portfolio companies and investors, contributing perspectives on leadership, resilience and innovation. For a private equity and growth equity platform built on identifying durable long-term trends, the move is as symbolic as it is strategic.

The announcement arrives just days before Djokovic is due to compete at Wimbledon, where he is pursuing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. The timing underscores the duality of Djokovic’s brand: still an elite competitor on the court, while increasingly active as an investor and operator off it.

A Growing Portfolio In Health And Wellness

Djokovic’s interests already extend well beyond tennis. He has backed a range of wellness-focused businesses, including Waterdrop, co-founded the supplement company SILA in 2024, and later helped launch the clean snack brand Cob Foods in 2025. He has also supported the wearables company Incrediwear.

That track record gives General Atlantic a credible entry point into the health and wellness economy, one of the most resilient consumer themes in private markets. As Bloomberg reported, the firm aims to leverage Djokovic’s network to broaden its reach in the sector.

Private Equity’s Growing Interest In Sport

General Atlantic is also expanding its presence in sports investing. Over the past two years, the firm has acquired stakes in a football club, a sports stadium and a sports media agency, reflecting broader interest from private capital in sports, entertainment and related infrastructure.

Tennis has also attracted growing investor attention, with General Atlantic becoming one of the latest firms to expand into the sector.

Speaking to Bloomberg, General Atlantic Chief Executive Bill Ford said Djokovic has “strong views about how professional tennis can be reshaped,” adding that “there’ll be opportunities there.”

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