The Colruyt Group is exploring strategic options for its retail stores and gas stations in France, including a potential sale. The Belgian retailer confirmed that it is assessing various possibilities but has not yet made a final decision.
The group’s French operations include approximately 100 Colruyt Prix Qualité supermarkets and 40 Dats 24 gas stations, employing around 2,000 people and generating over 700 million euros in annual revenue.
However, Colruyt has struggled to achieve profitability in the highly competitive French grocery market. Despite investments aimed at improving performance, the company acknowledges that the operations lack the necessary scale to achieve sufficient purchasing power and cover overhead and logistical costs.
French media reports suggest that several major retailers, including Carrefour, Coopérative U, E.Leclerc, and Intermarché, have expressed interest in acquiring some or all of the stores. Insiders indicate that the acquisition process could be finalized by the end of May.
Colruyt has received formal expressions of interest but emphasizes that no deal is guaranteed. The company remains committed to ensuring business continuity and protecting jobs while it evaluates its strategic options.
