Ardian announces the sale of its stake in Prosol to Apollo

Ardian, a global private investment firm, announces the sale of its majority stake in Prosol, the specialist in fresh products in France, to Apollo-managed funds (“Apollo”).

Founded in 1992 by Denis Dumont and headquartered in Chaponnay in the Auvergne Rhône Alpes region (France), Prosol has developed a unique model based on complete control of the food value chain – from upstream to retail. Thanks to long-term partnerships with nearly 2,300 French producers, the company selects, enhances, processes, and delivers a variety of products to the stores of its own brands, thereby guaranteeing origin, freshness, taste, and quality.

A renowned specialist in fruit and vegetables, dairy, seafood, and butchery, the company employs nearly 10,000 people and operates across the country through nearly 450 stores in France. Prosol operates the Grand Frais brand (in collaboration with Euro Ethnic Foods and Despi), as well as fresh., La Boulangerie du Marché, Mon Marché, BioFrais, and Banco Fresco and Panfé in Italy. The company generated revenues of more than €4.2 billion last year.

Since its investment in Prosol in 2017, Ardian has supported the company in accelerating its development, combining organic growth with strategic acquisitions. During this partnership, Prosol has more than tripled its revenues and carried out major operations, including the acquisition of Océalliance, France’s leading seafood wholesaler, in 2022, and the Novoviande butcher network in 2024.

Prosol today reaffirms its ambition to continue its growth momentum to establish itself as the leading player in fresh food retail. This momentum is based on its unique expertise in France, the expansion of its store network, the strengthening of its multi-brand model, and the reinforcement of its long-term partnerships with French producers.

The investment by Apollo alongside historical shareholders will enable Prosol to pursue its growth strategy under the leadership of its management team.
It will also strengthen the company’s positioning, values, and mission: to defend and promote the work of artisan producers, making good and healthy products available to as many people as possible – products that embody the pleasure of eating well, a key part of our country’s culture.

“It has been a real pleasure working alongside all the Prosol teams. We are proud to have supported the company in its transformation and acceleration. Prosol now has very solid foundations to pursue its growth trajectory.” Thibault Basquin, Co-Head & CIO of Buyout, Member of the Executive Committee, Ardian

“The partnership with Prosol is fully in line with Ardian’s value creation strategy alongside exceptional entrepreneurs and management teams. We are pleased to have contributed to Prosol’s long-term development and wish Prosol every success in the next stage of its growth.” Nicolas Trani, Managing Director Buyout, Ardian

“We are grateful to Ardian for its support and commitment over the past eight years. As we begin this new chapter of our story, we are delighted to partner with Apollo to continue our growth and further strengthen our commitment to promoting quality food.” Jean-Paul Mochet, CEO Prosol

The completion of the transaction remains subject to the usual regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.