Carrefour sells Romanian operations for nearly US$976M amid global restructuring
Company continues international expansion through franchise deals.
ROMANIA – Europe’s largest food retailer, Carrefour, announced the sale of its Romanian operations to Paval Holding for 823 million euros (US$976 million).
The decision is part of a broader portfolio review the French company launched in 2025 to streamline its focus on key markets.
Carrefour’s CEO, Alexandre Bompard, said the company is concentrating on its three main countries, which generate the largest share of sales: France, Brazil, and Spain.
The Romanian transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026, according to the company.
Earlier this year, Carrefour Spain entered into a sustainable fishing agreement with its suppliers during an industry event in Madrid focused on fisheries, aquaculture, and the blue economy.
The event, titled Fishing and Aquaculture in Spain: Blue Economy from Sea to Table, was held under the Spanish Network of Knowledge Spaces for the Blue Economy and brought together government officials, retailers, and sector representatives.
The initiative aims to align supply chains with sustainability standards while also considering sourcing, processing, and retail requirements.
Spain’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, Luis Planas, called for fisheries and aquaculture to be included in the European Oceans Pact, designed to coordinate maritime policy across the EU.
Official statistics presented at the meeting show that nearly one million people work in Spain’s blue economy, making it the largest employer in this sector within the European Union.
Data also reveal that Spain ranks second in the EU for blue economy gross value added, generating over US$39.6 billion (€36 billion).
In January, Carrefour announced a franchise and supply agreement with Queens Supermarket PLC, a subsidiary of Midroc Investment Group, to open Carrefour-branded stores in Ethiopia.
Under the plan, 13 existing Queens Supermarket outlets will transition to Carrefour in the first half of 2026, with the potential to expand by 17 more stores by 2028, depending on progress.
Carrefour will provide brand licensing, product selection, and operational systems, while Queens Supermarket will manage daily operations and integrate local goods such as coffee, tea, spices, and produce into Carrefour’s supply chain.
The move is part of Carrefour’s international franchise program under its Carrefour 2026 strategy, which focuses on partnerships with local operators rather than direct ownership.
Carrefour operates over 15,000 stores in more than 40 countries across multiple retail formats, continuing to pursue global growth while reshaping its portfolio.
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