French fresh-food producer and retailer Prosol has a new owner, after investment firm Ardian sold its majority stake to funds managed by Apollo.
Founded in 1992 by Denis Dumont, Prosol has based its strategy on the meticulous control of its food value chain.
This involves fostering long-term relationships with nearly 2,300 French producers, ensuring the origin, freshness, taste and quality of everything from fruit and vegetables to seafood and meat products.
The company directly supplies its extensive network of approximately 450 stores across France, under two main banners: Grand Frais and Fresh.
Within Grand Frais stores, the company operates the fruit-and-vegetable, seafood, dairy-and-cheese and meat departments in the Île-de-France region and eastern France.
Its retail brand portfolio also includes La Boulangerie du Marché, Mon-Marché.fr, BioFrais, and Banco Fresco in Italy.
With nearly 10,000 employees, Prosol generated over €4.2 billion in revenue last year.
Tripled Its Revenue
During the eight-year partnership with Ardian, Prosol more than tripled its revenue, fuelled by both organic growth and strategic acquisitions.
These include the 2022 acquisition of French seafood wholesaler Océalliance and the 2024 addition of the Novoviande butcher shop network.
Thibault Basquin, co-head and CIO of buyout and member of the executive committee at Ardian, said, “We are proud to have supported the company in its transformation and acceleration.
“Prosol now has very solid foundations to pursue its growth trajectory.”
Jean-Paul Mochet, CEO of Prosol, added, “We are grateful to Ardian for its support and commitment over the past eight years.
“As we begin this new chapter of our story, we are delighted to partner with Apollo to continue our growth and further strengthen our commitment to promoting quality food.”
With Apollo’s investment, Prosol is embarking on a new phase of growth by further leveraging its unique French expertise, expanding its store network, strengthening its multi-brand approach, and reinforcing its partnerships with French producers.
The completion of this transaction is pending customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.
Dining and Cooking