Carrefour’s €1 billion sale of its Italian supermarket chain to NewPrinces slams the market with a landmark deal
Strategic Expansion by Reggio Emilia‑Based Food Group
New Distribution Horizon
The Italian food conglomerate is stepping into large‑scale retail distribution by acquiring approximately one thousand storefronts across the country.
- Scale: 1,000 new outlets
- Coverage: Nationwide presence in diverse regions
- Impact: Strengthens direct‑to‑consumer reach for its brand portfolio
NewPrinces Spa to Acquire Carrefour Supermarkets in Italy
Transaction Overview
NewPrinces Spa, a leading Italian food conglomerate, announced on Thursday its intention to purchase the Italian operations of Carrefour for an estimated €1 billion. The deal would bring around one thousand Carrefour stores under the NewPrinces umbrella.
Company Profile
- NewPrinces owns iconic brands such as Plasmon, Centrale del Latte, Giglio, Polenghi Lombardo, and Delverde.
- With the acquisition, the Reggio Emilia‑based group could reach a turnover of €11 billion, positioning it as the second‑largest food entity in Italy by sales.
- Employees would total 13 000 in Italy, 18 000 worldwide, and 11 000 in associated sectors.
Regulatory Approval and Timing
The purchase requires clearance from the relevant authorities, and NewPrinces plans to finalize the transaction by the end of this year, in collaboration with Carrefour Nederland Bv and Carrefour Sa.
Strategic Implications
Chairman Angelo Mastrolia emphasized that the deal marks a “fundamental step in our Group’s trajectory.” The integration of production and retail will enable NewPrinces to streamline the entire supply chain and enhance value creation.
Future Branding Plans
NewPrinces is considering reviving the Gs supermarket brand after three years, potentially rebranding existing stores. Gs was originally founded in Italy in the 1960s before being replaced by Carrefour in 2010.
Related Developments
- Paramount’s $8 billion deal with Skydance can proceed
- Chinese electric‑car maker Zeekr aims for pan‑European growth despite tariffs
Unrest proclaimed among Carrefour workers
Union Protest and Carrefour Italy’s Future
1⃣ Union Response
- CGIL Filcams – Declared strike status after the takeover.
- FISASCAT Cisl – Joined the strike declaration.
- UIL Tucs – Signed on to the action.
All three unions have demanded an urgent meeting with the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy. They want to review the proposed recovery plan, which is projected to involve more than €400 million in brand and development investments from both the seller and the buyer.
2⃣ Government Reassurance
Minister Adolfo Urso praised the operation for strengthening Made in Italy production. He confirmed that he will meet soon with Mastrolia and the unions to discuss the next steps.
3⃣ Media Reaction
Les Echos described the takeover as Carrefour “removing a thorn from its foot”. The French paper highlighted that Carrefour’s Italian businesses were enduring annual losses of about €180 million before the sale.
4⃣ Carrefour’s Assurance
Carrefour President Alexandre Bompard replied to the newspaper that Carrefour Italy remains in solid financial footing, reassuring investors and employees alike.
