“I am proud to have been able to write this story”: Jean-Charles Naouri’s farewell letter to Casino employees. “As I leave office that has occupied every second of my life and energy for more than three decades, I want to express my deep respect and unwavering thanks for all that you have accomplished,” Naouri writes.

The group came under the control of a consortium led by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky on Wednesday evening. The CEO held more than half of the capital of Casino via a cascade of holding companies.