This is a first victory for savers who have invested their savings in the development of organic c'Bon stores.
The distributor specializing in organic, placed in receivership on September 2, was ordered in summary proceedings by the Paris court to pay 180,000 euros to seven savers, according to Agefi.
This group, which has a hundred stores in France, relied heavily on the money of private shareholders to develop.
Nearly 2,850 savers now hold 25% of the capital of the stores.
The sums invested represent 114 million euros.
Since the receivership, these individuals fear losing everything.
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Bio c 'Bon: 2,800 savers trapped by the bankruptcy of the distributor
The clients affected by the court's decision had each placed between 5,000 and 45,000 euros.
The shareholders' agreement, signed by these individuals in 2014, provided for a guaranteed return of 7% and reimbursement after 5 years.
But the parent company of Bio c'Bon has never kept its commitments.
The 180,000 euros requested by the court correspond to the sums owed by Bio c'Bon to the seven savers.
The court thus reiterates that the contractual performance commitment must be honored.
“This decision is a first.
The idea is to carry weight so that investors are not forgotten in the offers of buyers, ”
Morgane Hanvic, lawyer in charge of the case for Lexance Avocats
, told
Figaro
.
Several retail chains have applied to take over Bio c'Bon, including the Zouari (Picard), Carrefour and Biocoop family.
This court decision will not be executed immediately.
Bio c'Bon's debts are frozen as part of the reorganization procedure.
These 180,000 euros owed to these seven savers will increase the group's debts.
The challenge is to get the future buyer to take charge of these liabilities.
Other lawyers defending savers are also in discussions with the candidates for the takeover so that these individuals are taken into account in the package.
The court will consider these offers on October 16, according to AFP.
