French retailer Casino has initiated a new round of debt restructuring discussions, less than two years after its previous overhaul, as it extends its "Renouveau years 2030” recovery plan. The group, controlled by Daniel Křetínský’s France Retail Holdings (FRH), has entered negotiations with lenders of more than €1.4bn ($1.61bn) of Term Loan B facilities maturing in March 2027. FRH is prepared to underwrite a €300m capital increase, subject to reaching acceptable terms with creditors. Casino is proposin ...

Core Insights - Casino Group has expanded its Renouveau plan to 2030, reflecting confidence in its strategic direction and operational improvements [4][5][6] Financial Performance - The company reported a return to growth in like-for-like sales, with a 2.4% increase in Q2 and 0.5% in H1 2025, alongside a 12% growth in adjusted EBITDA [6][9] - As of September 30, 2025, Casino Group had a liquidity position of €1.22 billion and successfully passed its first solvency test [3][10] Strategic Initiatives - The Renouveau 2030 plan includes modernizing stores, rolling out new concepts, and enhancing franchising efforts, with a focus on convenience retailing and quick meal solutions [4][6][9] - Specific brand initiatives include refurbishing 100% of the Monoprix store network by 2030 and expanding the Oxygène concept in Franprix to around 800 stores [8][9] Market Context - The company is navigating a competitive landscape characterized by increasing pressure from non-food discounters and Asian e-commerce platforms, yet it remains well-positioned in the convenience and quick meal solutions markets [5][6] Financial Restructuring - Casino Group is initiating work to adapt and strengthen its financial structure, aiming to reduce debt from €6.2 billion at the end of 2023 to €1.6 billion by March 2024 [9][14] - The company plans to complete its financial restructuring by the end of Q2 2026, overseen by an Ad Hoc Committee [10][14]