The Royal Mail is owned by the Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky's EP Group. The acquisition of Royal Mail's parent company, International Distribution Services (IDS), by EP Group was approved in late 2024 and completed in April 2025, marking the first time the historic Royal Mail postal service came under foreign ownership. The deal was valued at approximately £3.6 billion and included legally binding commitments to maintain Royal Mail's UK headquarters, tax residency, and the universal service obligation for postal delivery. The UK government retains a "golden share" in the company to protect certain national interests. Daniel Kretinsky has also become the chairman of Royal Mail following the acquisition.