France: Colruyt to sell store network

Grocery retailer Colruyt has confirmed that the company is planning to sell its 101-strong store network in France in order to refocus its efforts on its home market of Belgium.

According to sources, the firm’s French retail network is mostly concentrated in eastern France, and is largely comprised of mid-size stores around 1,000 sq m in size. The retailer also plans to divest its French headquarters in Dole Sud Choisey and the three warehouses in Dole, Rochefort-sur-Nenon and Meurthe-et-Moselle.

Colruyt first entered the French market in 1996 after purchasing Ripotot, but has reportedly struggled to turn a profit, reporting a loss of €32 million ($36 million) in 2024.

In Belgium, the company enjoys a 31.2% market share, and recently acquired the Delitraiteur network as part of efforts to grow in convenience retail.

E.Leclerc and Intermarche are reportedly in the running to acquire Colruyt’s French business.

Source: ESM