Corsican cacophony between SFR and its historic distributor

The hatchet is unearthed between SFR (Altice group) and the company Socodi, alias Corse GSM. The latter had been the operator's exclusive distributor on the Isle of Beauty for a quarter of a century. A well-established situation, with some 13 shops spread across the territory and 80 employees. The honeymoon ended in 2015, after the takeover of SFR by Altice. The operator sifted through all of the contracts and finally decided to take control of its distribution in Corsica.

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The group, anxious to reduce its costs, has notably reviewed the system of commissions granted to sellers. No more question of recurring commissions received during the entire subscription period, only the subscription is taken into account. Corsica GSM had to give up on precious cash inflows. Over time, relations have deteriorated between the two groups. Louis Antonini, manager of Socodi, accuses Altice managers of " having terminated all of their distributor contracts " and " of causing fear among its subcontractors ". Louis Antonini moves heaven and earth to be heard, going so far as to challenge Armando Pereira, operational director of Altice, on the sidelines of a car rally in Corsica. Louis Antonini also obtained the support of Gilles Simeoni. The president of the executive council of Corsica asks Altice to " give guarantees " on employment, in a letter that Le Figaro has obtained.

At SFR, there is no question of overbidding. The group explains that it has " chosen new partners whose activity should start in January 2021 ". No offense to Corsica GSM.