(Bloomberg) — French grocer Carrefour SA is in the early stages of studying ways to boost its valuation, more than three years after talks to sell itself to an industry rival fell apart, people with knowledge of the matter said.
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Carrefour is discussing various scenarios internally and speaking to advisers about potential options for the business, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private. Possibilities under review include asset divestments, growing through partnerships and acquisitions, or an operational reorganization, according to the people.
Paris-listed Carrefour could also consider a full sale or sell a stake in the company should an interested suitor emerge, the people said. Another possibility would be to remain independent while pursuing measures to boost its competitiveness through strategy changes and new investments, the people said.
A sale may attract interest from private equity firms and industry players if Carrefour moves forward, according to the people. Deliberations are at an early stage, and there are currently no formal talks with any suitors, the people said. Carrefour may ultimately decide not to pursue any transaction. A representative for Carrefour declined to comment.
Shares of Carrefour jumped as much as 4.3% in early Tuesday trading before closing up 0.4% in Paris, giving the company a market value of about €10.1 billion ($11 billion). Through Monday, the shares had fallen about 30% from their recent peak in 2022.
Brazil, Spain
Carrefour’s biggest markets include France, Brazil and Spain. Its listed Brazilian unit has a market value of about $2.9 billion in Sao Paulo.
Circle K owner Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. in early 2021 abandoned talks on a proposed $20 billion merger with Carrefour following stiff opposition from the French government. The Canadian firm is currently trying to buy Japanese convenience store and retail giant Seven & i Holdings Co.
Rival French grocer Auchan has also studied a potential deal for Carrefour multiple times in the last few years, though a deal never materialized. Auchan on Tuesday announced plans to cut almost 2,400 jobs in France across hypermarkets, delivery and other stores.
A take-private of Carrefour by a buyout firm would face challenges including the big ticket size, with an enterprise value of around €25 billion including debt, a difficult retail market and potential political backlash. Carrefour assets such as those in Brazil or certain European markets could be easier to monetize. That said, French drugmaker Sanofi agreed last month to enter exclusive talks to sell control of its consumer health unit to US buyout firm Clayton Dubilier & Rice after France secured social commitments and agreed to take a small stake.