Auchan has agreed to acquire 100% of Dia Group’s operations in Portugal for €155 million.
Auchan is acquiring 489 Minipreço and Mais Perto stores, either owned or under franchise, three warehouses, as well as all necessary contracts, licences and assets.
The agreement between Auchan and Dia also plans for the transfer of 2,630 employees.
Following this deal, Auchan Portugal will become a key player in Portugal’s convenience store market with the countrywide presence of Minipreço stores. Its position as the Portugues network with the largest number of stores will bolster its omnichannel offer (physical and digital).
At the time of this deal, Yves Claude, Chairman and CEO of Auchan Retail stated: “This new deal with the Dia Group, following the recent acquisition of stores in Spain, demonstrates the quality of our relationship with this major global retailer. Our strategy is to contribute to the consolidation of markets that we consider strategic for us.
Portugal is one such market. This operation is strategic for Auchan Retail in Portugal because it will enable us to cover the entire country – we will have the largest number of points of sale in the sector – but also to implement an offer for our Portuguese customers covering all formats (from hypermarkets to convenience stores enhanced by digital). We will also be setting up a vast network of franchisees, whom we are delighted to welcome and whom we hope to involve in Auchan Portugal’s main commercial decisions in the future.
Finally, with our complete coverage of the country, we will have even more means than today to strengthen our cooperation with the Portuguese agricultural ecosystem through our agricultural responsible sourcing channels.
I know that our Portuguese employees are up to this new challenge. They are highly efficient and have demonstrated the quality of their expertise for many years. They have my full support and thanks.”
Pedro Cid, CEO of Auchan Retail Portugal, added, “This acquisition is a bold move by Auchan, which is combining its more than 50 years of Portuguese hypermarket experience with the convenience store segment and the franchise model – one of Minipreço’s strengths. Customers will enjoy access to a comprehensive, local and varied offer, including all channels and services, which highlights fresh, healthy products, at good prices, and everything that allows Portuguese families to live better day-to-day lives.”
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