INFO FRANCEINFO. The Grand Frais store chain is moving to the American flag, at least 3,000 hires planned

The brand plans to open 25 stores in 2026, particularly in city centers.

The Grand Frais chain of stores will go under the American flag, reveals to franceinfo Jean-Paul Mochet, the current CEO of Prosol, parent company of Grand Frais. The brand, specializing in fruits and vegetables, has 10,000 employees and 2,300 suppliers. The French investment fund Ardian, which currently owns the brand, will sell its shares to the American asset manager Apollo. A transaction estimated at more than 4 billion euros.

In addition to this acquisition, between 3,000 and 3,500 hires are planned for next year, Jean-Paul Mochet, CEO of Prosol, parent company of Grand Frais, told franceinfo, in order to allow the brand to develop even faster. The group already has 330 stores in France, with an average of around fifteen openings each year. In 2026, the brand plans to open 25, particularly in the heart of city centers.

With turnover increasing by 8% per year, Grand Frais is one of the most profitable brands per square meter. Furthermore, this fall, Grand Frais announced the purchase of around thirty Gifi stores, the bazaar and discount brand which is having difficulties.

In the context of food sovereignty, this transaction, for the benefit of an American fund, is subject to authorizations. The Minister of the Economy, Roland Lescure, says he is following the matter closely, to have guarantees from Apollo. According to information from franceinfo, this change in shareholding should however fall within the so-called “foreign investments in France” procedure and therefore facilitate its validation.