Ukrainian business is attacking the Polish market: “Silpo is considering buying Carrefour
16 October 06:38
The Ukrainian retail chain Silpo, owned by Fozzy Group, may become one of the main contenders for the acquisition of Carrefour stores in Poland. This is reported by the Polish edition of Wiadomości Handlowe, "Komersant Ukrainian" informs
According to journalists, Fozzy Group has been interested in the Polish market for several years. The company is the second largest grocery retailer in Ukraine and operates more than 840 stores under the Silpo, Fora, Thrash!, Fozzy, Le Silpo, Favore, and FoodPod brands.
Carrefour franchise in Poznan is the first step for Ukrainians
Back in April, journalists from the Wiadomości Handlowe portal learned that Fozzy Group had already entered the Polish market “through the back door.” Ukrainians own 90% of the shares in IDKFA IDCLIP, which operates a Carrefour store in Poznan under a franchise.
This project allowed Fozzy to study the French brand’s model from the inside. The remaining 10% of the shares are owned by Maciej Gawronski, Head of Logistics at Fozzy Group.
“Silpo has been studying the Polish market for several years
Back in 2023, Fozzy announced that it was studying Polish retail after analyzing the experience of the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, and France.
The company emphasized:
“Many Ukrainians have moved to the EU, particularly to Poland. When they return, their expectations from supermarkets will change. Therefore, we are developing to offer the best service, regardless of the war.”
“Silpo has already established partnerships with Polish breweries, farmers and chefs, sharing experiences and looking for points of cooperation.
Carrefour is preparing to sell its Polish business
In September, the French newspaper La Lettre reported that Carrefour plans to sell its assets in Poland, having engaged JP Morgan to prepare the deal.
The Polish division of the company has 768 stores:
- 95 hypermarkets,
- 148 supermarkets,
- 518 convenience stores(Carrefour Express),
- 7 discounters(Supeco),
- and 40 shopping centers.
In 2024, Carrefour Polska’s revenue amounted to PLN 9.3 billion, while Fozzy Group earned the equivalent of PLN 12.3 billion.
Experts: “Silpo has real chances, but also serious challenges
Experts believe that Silpo can seize the moment. The main advantage of the Ukrainian chain is the large number of Ukrainians in Poland – about 1.5 million people, which creates a natural base of loyal customers.
However, the expert adds that logistics may be the main problem – the nearest Silpo distribution center is located in Lviv. To operate effectively in Poland, the company will need to open its own warehouses and create a network of at least 150-200 stores.
Other potential buyers include Dino, Biedronka and Kaufland. Poland is also discussing the possible participation of the state in the deal.
A deal that benefits both parties
Analysts note that Carrefour may be interested in selling to a Ukrainian retailer, as Fozzy is not yet represented in Poland. This means that the Polish Antimonopoly Committee (UOKiK) will not have any competition concerns.
For other players, such as Biedronka, Lidl, or Kaufland, such a deal could take years to complete.
If Silpo does join the fray, it could become the most high-profile event in the history of Ukrainian retail in Europe.
