The JouéClub store cooperative announced on Friday that it was a “
candidate
” for the takeover of Ludendo, parent company of Grande Récré, another major toy brand belonging to the Financière immobilière bordelaise (Fib) galaxy of businessman Michel Ohayon, and which is the subject of judicial liquidation proceedings.
The toy brand La Grande Récré announced in March that it was looking for new investors who could present “
offers
” by April 14.
On Thursday, the Paris Commercial Court pronounced "
the opening of judicial liquidation proceedings
" against Ludendo Entreprises, according to the decision consulted by AFP.
After having "
studied the file
", JouéClub - a cooperative which defines itself as "
the largest French network of independent toy professionals
" and which relies on 290 stores - indicates in a press release that it has "
submitted a global takeover offer including the head office employees and guaranteeing the continuity of operation of the La Grande Récré brand
".
According to its website, La Grande Récré has "
more than 140 stores throughout France
", but does not indicate the number of its employees.
Read alsoLa Grande Récré is looking for new investors
An offer that preserves more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs
JouéClub specifies that it proposes to take over nearly 90% of the integrated network of La Grande Récré and the 50 franchise contracts in France and abroad, “
an offer which
” preserves more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs.
"
The offer also makes it possible to continue the contracts with Casino (+corners+ in store) and Total (+corners+ in motorway service station)
", also indicates the press release.
JouéClub points out that “
this offer is part of a history shared by the two groups, La Grande Récré being a former member of the JouéClub cooperative.
The two brands share a common DNA
”.
"
The objective of JouéClub, within the framework of this offer, is to keep the La Grande Récré network while integrating this sign into our group
", declared Jacques Baudoz, president of JouéClub, quoted in the press release.
According to him, the brands La Grande Récré and JoueClub “
appear perfectly complementary, the first benefiting from a more urban and premium positioning while the second is more established in the
urban outskirts”.
JouéClub also highlights the fact that "
the takeover would have many advantages for the stores operated by Ludendo, which will benefit from the JoueClub supply centre, the group's network expertise in terms of refocusing the offer and optimizing costs, or the financial solidity of 'a recognized cooperative
'.