EU clears acquisition of Prosol Group by Apollo Funds

EU clears acquisition of Prosol Group by Apollo Funds

EU Clears Apollo Funds’ Acquisition of Prosol Group
According to the announcement (https://ir.apollo.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/597/apollo-funds-to-acquire-prosol-group-a-leading-french)

On February 26, 2026, the European Commission announced regulatory approval for Apollo-managed funds to acquire a majority stake in Prosol Group, a French fresh food retail specialist. The transaction, initially announced on December 16, 2025, is now expected to close in Q2 2026 following satisfaction of regulatory requirements. Prosol’s existing shareholders and management team will retain minority ownership and reinvest alongside Apollo.

Prosol, founded in 1992, operates nearly 450 stores across France under banners such as Grand Frais and Fresh., focusing on fresh produce, dairy, fish, and meat. Its vertically integrated supply chain, involving over 2,300 agricultural partners, has driven customer loyalty and consistent organic growth. The company also owns retail brands like La Boulangerie du Marché and BioFrais, with expansion into Italy through Banco Fresco.

Apollo, a global alternative asset manager with $908 billion in assets under management as of September 2025, emphasized its intent to support Prosol’s growth while preserving its distinct retail model. Alex van Hoek, Apollo’s European Private Equity Lead Partner, highlighted Prosol’s "powerful customer proposition" and its potential for expansion in France and Europe. Jean-Paul Mochet, Prosol’s CEO, described the investment as a "new chapter" for the company, leveraging Apollo’s retail expertise to scale its operations.

Apollo has a long history of investing in French businesses, with approximately €14 billion allocated across strategies since the 1990s. Past investments include Constellium, Verallia, and Vallourec, alongside capital solutions for corporates like Air France-KLM and TotalEnergies. The Prosol acquisition adds to Apollo’s portfolio in the consumer sector, aligning with its focus on businesses with scalable, differentiated models.

The transaction was advised by UBS AG, Royal Bank of Canada, and Lazard, with legal counsel from multiple international firms. Regulatory clearance by the EU underscores confidence in the deal’s compliance with competition and market integrity standards.

This acquisition reflects Apollo’s continued emphasis on European retail and its strategy to back companies with strong operational foundations and growth potential.