Auchan announces the acquisition of the Dia Group’s activities in Portugal, i.e. 489 stores

French food distributor Auchan announced on Thursday that it has acquired “all activities” of the Dia Group in Portugal, namely 489 ministores of the Minipreço and Mais Perto brands, “either directly or under franchise”, as well as three warehouses.

“At the end of this process, Auchan Portugal will have the leading network in terms of number of stores in the country.“, confirms the group in its press release, explaining that the agreement was signed on Wednesday.”Between Auchan and Deya it is also planning to relocate 2,650 employees“.

Auchan Retail already has 70 physical stores in Portugal and currently employs 9,000 people there. This acquisition allows the group to take over “489 Minipreço and Mais Perto stores, owned or franchised, three warehouses, as well as contracts, licenses and assets necessary for operation», specifies the press release.

“This operation is strategic for Auchan Retail in Portugal because it will allow us to cover the entire country“,”We will have the largest number of selling points in the profession», says Auchan Retail CEO Yves Claude, quoted in the press release. This acquisition will also make it possible to develop in Portugal.”View covers all formats“, for”From the hypermarket to the local store enhanced by digital“, he added.

Yves Claude also welcomed this.”New operation with Zia group”from “It demonstrates the quality of relationships we have with this major global distributor“In fact, last year Auchan Retail announced the acquisition in Spain of 217 supermarkets of the Spanish chain.

The operation in Portugal makes it “Following the Dia Group’s decision to refocus on its key markets as part of a proximity strategy and simplify its locations», Oshan selector. The transaction is subject to the approval of the Portuguese Competition Authority, as the press release specifies, “It should be completed in the coming months“.