On 23 October 2024, Colruyt Group reached an agreement to take over 100% of the stocks of Delitraiteur NV ("Delitraiteur"), which is part of the Louis Delhaize group. As a Belgian retailer, this take-over allows Colruyt Group to grow further and focus more on an offer that offers customers convenience. This fits in with the group's strategic objectives. This transaction is subject to the approval of the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA). The completion of the transaction accompanied by the integration in Colruyt Group’s consolidated figures is expected in the first quarter of 2025.
Delitraiteur: we make ready to eat, enjoyable & responsible
Founded in 1990, Delitraiteur is the specialist in meal solutions, offering more than 200 ultra-fresh ready-made dishes. With kitchens in each store, it also provides a wide selection of salads and sandwiches, available for takeaway or on-site consumption. To cater to all moments of the day, Delitraiteur is open 7 days a week, from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM. Alongside this unique food offering, Delitraiteur offers a broad range of grocery products, including over 1,000 Belgian items and many exclusives. Today, there are 40 stores in Belgium and one in Luxembourg, all but three of which are operated by independent entrepreneurs.
Colruyt Group focuses more on convenience for customers
As the Belgian market leader, Colruyt Group's ambition is to continue to grow and focus further on consumers' evolving needs.
Jo Willemyns, COO Food Retail Colruyt Group: "We see that customers need more convenience and are looking for easy and healthy meals.We've already been focusing on this in recent years by, for example, increasing our presence in cities, opening Okay Direct stores where customers can shop 24/7, expanding the fresh food offer at Okay and the recent stake in BON - the gourmet bar that offers high-quality and home-made on-the-go products. Take-overs also fit in with our growth strategy. With the acquisition of Delitraiteur, Colruyt Group will be able to focus even more on a convenience offer, with ready-to-heat and ready-to-eat meals."
Today, Colruyt Group reached an agreement to take over 100% of the stocks of Delitraiteur. All stores will stay open and the brand name will also be kept. Colruyt Group will rely on the existing management to develop this unique and highly differentiating concept in the market. Jo Willemyns: "We are looking forward to welcome Delitraiteur with its ambitious entrepreneurs and all the teams who support them daily at Colruyt Group. We are convinced that Delitraiteur is a wonderful addition to our group and is complementary to our other formats."
The transaction
On 23 October 2024, Colruyt Group reached an agreement to take over 100% of the stocks of Delitraiteur. The transaction is subject to approval by the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA), which is expected to be obtained in the coming months.
The parties have agreed not to disclose any details regarding the terms of the transaction.
Upon completion of the transaction, which is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2025, Delitraiteur will be fully consolidated in the consolidated figures of Colruyt Group.
