Ardian, a global private equity investment firm, has announced the sale of its majority stake in Prosol, a French fresh produce specialist, to funds managed by Apollo. The transaction marks a new strategic step for one of Europe's leading players in specialized fresh produce distribution and remains subject to customary regulatory approvals.
Founded in 1992 by Denis Dumont and headquartered in Chaponnay, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Prosol has built a distinctive model over the years based on comprehensive control of the food supply chain, from agricultural sourcing to the point of sale.
Thanks to long-term partnerships with approximately 2.300 French producers, the group selects, enhances, processes, and directly distributes products, guaranteeing traceability, freshness, and quality.
The group specializes in fruit and vegetables, dairy products, seafood, and butchers, and currently employs nearly 10.000 people and operates a network of approximately 450 stores in France. Prosol operates through a multi-brand portfolio that includes Grand Frais, fresh., La Boulangerie du Marché, Mon Marché, BioFrais, and, in Italy, Banco Fresco and Panfé. In 2024, it generated revenues exceeding €4,2 billion.
Since 2017, Ardian has supported Prosol through a phase of strong acceleration, combining organic growth and strategic acquisitions. During this period, the group has more than tripled its revenue and completed key transactions such as the acquisition of Océalliance, a leading French fish retailer, in 2022, and the Novoviande butchers' network in 2024.
With Apollo's entry alongside its long-standing shareholders, Prosol now aims to consolidate its leadership in fresh produce retail, strengthening its multibrand model, expanding its network, and consolidating its relationships with local producers. The transaction will also allow the continuation of its growth strategy under the guidance of the current management, reaffirming the group's mission: to enhance the work of artisanal producers and make delicious, healthy, and high-quality products accessible to an ever-wider audience.
