Auchan is struggling to raise the bar in France. In nine out of ten countries where it is present, the food distribution group has resumed the path of growth, show its results, published on Friday February 25. Not in France, where turnover fell by 4.6% in 2021, to 16.2 billion euros, in a year still marked by the health restrictions imposed on the shopping malls which house its hypermarkets. Results “difficult”recognized Yves Claude, the CEO of Auchan Retail, whose total turnover fell by 1% over one year, to 30.5 billion euros – and which would be up by 0, 4% without France.
Faced with these difficulties, the proposed merger with Carrefour still hovers above the employees. “We may ask for information, the subject remains taboo”notes Gilles Martin, central union representative CFDT of Auchan France. “At the beginning of 2021, there was a discussion, at the initiative of Auchan, to create a major playerrecalled Mr. Claude, Friday. The project was unsuccessful because the operational conditions were not aligned. »
With 53% of its turnover in France, can the northern group nevertheless continue its journey alone? While, opposite, the CEO of Carrefour, Alexandre Bompard, suggests that his group does not need an alliance, Auchan is at a tipping point, after having bailed out its cash in recent years, in particular by selling its stores. in Italy and withdrawing from Asia. Should it now reinvest in industrial facilities or join forces?
“Loss of employee confidence”
In France, “Auchan went through a period of hesitation due to the strategic wanderings of successive managements and the responsibility of the shareholder, the Mulliez family. », Analyzes Mr. Martin. However, in a world where competitive intensity has increased, a liner like Auchan in France has, according to this trade unionist, “need to have a long-term vision”. “We had five bosses for France in just six years. It also creates a loss of employee confidence. »
The constitution of a group that would weigh nearly 30% of the consumer goods market would have many consequences
The latest redesign was made official on 1er December 2021, with the landing of Alexandre Mulliez – the grandson of Gérard Mulliez –, vice-president of Auchan Retail France since January 2021. He had been supported until September by Francis Cordelette, former general manager of Boulanger and from Auchan. A new tandem has therefore just been installed at the helm of the group in France: Yves Claude (executive chairman) and Philippe Brochard (general manager). But for how long ?
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