The Gifi brand put up for sale by its founder, Philippe Ginestet

Offers are expected by Monday, November 18, continues “Le Monde”, but some buyers have already shown interest. The daily cites the names of the Carrefour or Zouari groups, owners of the Stokomani and Maxi Bazar stores.

“Hand over”

Joined by “Sud Ouest”, M^e Christophe Dejean, lawyer for Gifi and Philippe Ginestet, does not have an alarmist analysis of the situation but confirms the desire of the Villeneuvois boss to hand over the reins: “Philippe Ginestet wishes to consolidate and ensure its sustainability in a decisive way,” he says. he, contesting the announced deadlines. “After forty-five years at the head of the brand, it is logical that Philippe Ginestet is looking for a solution to be able to hand over to operators who will be able to ensure the development and influence of the group. »

If a sale were to be finalized, it would only concern the commercial brand and not the real estate. Gifi employs more than 6,500 people in France, half of them in the South-West and no fewer than 650 in Villeneuve-sur-Lot in Lot-et-Garonne, the birthplace of the group. In difficulties recently, the brand was the subject of a confidential conciliation procedure in the spring at the end of which the banks reinjected 100 million into Gifi.