French supermarket chain Auchan will sell 19 of its supermarkets to discounter Lidl.

Nine of these were purchased from its rival Casino group in 2024, while the remaining 10 are part of its existing portfolio.

Stores up for sale include those in Bordeaux, Lyon, Grenoble and Cannes.

The 19 supermarkets have a sales area of 33,760 meters square and will join the 1,600 Lidl stores in France.

As part of its transformation plan, Auchan conducted a strategic review of its store portfolio with the aim of strengthening its economic performance while ensuring job continuity.

Each site underwent an in-depth analysis to assess the investments required for its remodelling as well as its performance potential.

Auchan said it considered several options such as lease management, franchising, or sale.

This latter option was deemed the most appropriate to ensure the sustainability of operations and preserve jobs.

If approved, the transaction could be completed by the end of the fourth quarter of 2025.

Auchan said that organisations representing its employees have been informed of the sale, adding that Lidl has always been “committed to supporting its employees through an ambitious health and quality of life policy.”

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