Caillé Grande Distribution (Group Caillé) currently operates 50 Leader Price supermarkets, while Make Distribution (a joint venture between the Mauritian group IBL and the Réunion-based group SAB) operates four Run Market hypermarkets.
If successful, the merger will result in a new entity comprising all Leader Price and Run Market stores on the island. Above all, this partnership will promote a dynamic approach in Réunion.
Against the backdrop of profound changes in the mass retail sector, including evolving consumer habits and increased competition, the proposed merger aims to enhance consumer offerings while bolstering the competitiveness and sustainability of the existing businesses.
The objective is to establish a robust local operator that can thrive in an ultra-competitive environment. This will directly benefit consumers by offering competitive prices, modernising points of sale and developing skills and career opportunities in retail. As the transaction is subject to approval by the Competition Authority, it was notified on 16 January.
Franklin is working alongside Caillé Grande Distribution and Make Distribution (IBL/SAB), led by partner Numa Rengot and including associates Pierre Dupuys, Fanny Attal, Marouan Fawzi and Karl Mbimbe Sosso for the restructuring and M&A transaction aspects; partner Jacques Mestoudjian, Of Counsel Rudy Marouani and associate Antoine Perrimond for tax aspects; partner Lionel Lesur and associate Victoria Eppendahl for competition law aspects; and partner François Verdot and Of Counsel Vincent Martinet for real estate law aspects.
Laura Mendez is assisting Caillé Grande Distribution and Make Distribution (IBL/SAB) with M&A matters.
Alvarez & Marsal (Frédéric Steiner) is advising Caillé Grande Distribution and Make Distribution (IBL/SAB) on financial due diligence.
Eight Advisory (Etienne Chantrel, Partner) is advising Caillé Grande Distribution and Make Distribution (IBL/SAB) on competition law issues as an economist.
Exa (Vincent Tessier) and Groupe Monassier (Valérie Rocca and Jonathan Rocca) are acting as advisors to the Caillé Group.
VJL Avocats (Jean-Francis Cheung-Ah-Seung) and Avrillon Huet (Benoît Huet) are assisting SAB.
