Three years after the takeover of supermarket group Mestdagh, unrest is growing within Intermarché‘s Belgian franchise network. Franchisees speak of structural logistical problems and plummeting profitability.
“Logistics are out of control”
When Intermarché acquired the Mestdagh group in March 2022 (including 87 stores, a head office and a distribution centre), the chain called it a “golden deal” that would double its presence in Wallonia in one fell swoop. However, two years after full integration, franchisees are complaining in two Belgian newspapers (Le Soir and L’Echo) about ongoing problems. Several operators, who remain anonymous for contractual reasons, say their businesses are in dire straits. They express concern about both their gross margin and operational continuity.
