Mega-merger imminent in France

A major acquisition is imminent in the garden centre sector in France. The agricultural cooperative InVivo, owner of the two retailers Gamm Vert and Delbard, has confirmed its intention to take over its competitor Jardiland. No details of the purchase offer have been disclosed.
Gamm Vert would consolidate its leading position in the garden and pet sector with this acquisition. InVivo operates over 1 000 outlets under the Gamm Vert brand in France, netting sales totalling 1.3 billion euros. It has 46 Delbard stores and 137 affiliated branches in addition to this. Jardiland operates 189 stores, 90 of which are franchises. The company's sales totalled 730 million euros in 2016.