On July 29, Courtepaille was placed in receivership by the commercial court of Évry-Courcouronnes (Essonne). Potential buyers have until Monday, August 24, to submit an offer.
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Their case will be studied on September 14 by the court, which will be able to make a decision immediately or within seven days. Nearly 4,000 employees work in this group, created in 1961, which has nearly 300 establishments, including around 100 franchises.
The names of 4 buyers have leaked in recent days in the media including that of Buffalo Grill, confirmed by the court. The Bertrand group, the investment company Butler and the Naxicap fund are also in line to take over Courtepaille which, since 2016, has belonged to the British investment fund ICG.Camaïeu taken over by the owner of 22 Galeries Lafayette in the provinces
In a press release, management specifies that it has sought " financing solutions and new partners with the assistance of the investment bank Lazard " from May " to avoid any deadlock ". " Like all catering players, the group suffered during the health crisis the net shutdown of its activity and the loss of the corresponding turnover (40% of turnover lost over the year)", explains the chain which is due to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2021.
To this is added the refusal of the loan guaranteed by the State that the company had requested. " Deprived of this essential help, the group cannot assume alone the financing of the resumption of its activity in the long term and the repayment of its debts ", adds the company.