(AOF) – Biggest rise in the SBF 120, Casino shares soared 15.83% to 7.865 euros while the title of its parent company, Rallye, soared 30.11% to 2.42 euros. In response to press rumours, the distributor in difficulty indicated that it had received a preliminary letter of intent from Xavier Niel, Matthieu Pigasse and Moez-Alexandre Zouari relating to a proposal to strengthen Casino Guichard Perrachon’s equity up to a amount of 1.1 billion euros, of which 200 to 300 million would be invested directly by them.
The balance would be subscribed by partners who would associate themselves with their project, including current creditors who would like to reinvest in capital.
“This proposal would be accompanied, to the extent necessary, by an adaptation of Casino’s existing debt to its capacities and the preservation of its growth potential”, specified the group.
The latter adds that at this stage, it is not a question of a firm offer but of a preliminary expression of interest which could not succeed. The group “will study this expression of interest and keep the market informed in the event of new material elements”.
Xavier Niel, Moez-Alexandre Zouari and Matthieu Pigasse are in competition with the Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky. With the latter, Auchan would be ready to discuss an industrial project only in the event that its operation has succeeded, the newspaper Les Echos recently indicated.