72 Auchan supermarkets to become Intermarche or Netto following sale

Auchan is selling 91 of its supermarkets, with 72 already having received an offer by the Mousquetaires group (Intermarché, Netto).

The retailer put up the offer for sale in January, announcing its intention to sell 91 of its supermarkets to the group. According to Auchan, the reason is that they want to focus on their hypermarkets.

However, 17 stores have not yet been taken over by the Mousquetaires group, which reportedly refused them due to being “in the red” and weak performance.

With no takeover in place yet for these sites, the retailer is beginning to worry about the locations. 

The remaining stores are set to be reviewed on a site-by-site basis while Auchan looks for alternative solutions. Trade unions have also raised concerns over job security linked to the restructuring, with nearly 1,000 employees potentially at risk of losing their jobs.

The move is part of a broader restructuring of Auchan’s supermarket network in France, linked to a joint agreement with the Mousquetaires group (Intermarché, Netto). Under the plan, Auchan aims to jointly operate 167 food-focused supermarkets with the group under either Intermarché or Netto banner. These 167 stores are separate from the 72 that will be sold to the group. 

This project is now currently under review by the French Competition Authority. The authority is expected to make a decision by early July.

The deal is being examined because it could affect competition between supermarkets in local areas across France, and it may also affect how large retailers negotiate and work with food suppliers.

A full list of the stores affected can be seen here.