Decathlon to acquire 50% of Sport 2000 France

Decathlon and Céraclès Coopérative, previously known as Groupe Sport 2000 France, have entered into a letter of intent to form a 50/50 partnership. The agreement is limited to French operations and the financial details have not been disclosed. The collaboration aims to combine the strengths of both retailers' store networks, product lines, and expert knowledge to deliver a personalized and locally relevant service.

According to Céraclès Coopérative, the partnership is built on the belief that their combined ecosystems can better serve athletes of all levels and strengthen relationships with customers, clubs, and communities. The two companies are in ongoing discussions, pending regulatory approval, and have not yet revealed the financial terms of the deal.

Decathlon's Europe chief business officer, Jérémy Angelard, expressed the company's commitment to expanding its offerings in both products and services. He highlighted that mountain sports, which contribute approximately a quarter of Decathlon's French revenue, would benefit from the partnership, allowing the retailer to access ski rental and stock its products in Sport 2000's 190 stores across the French Alps and Pyrenees.

The deal would also grant Decathlon access to Céraclès' other retail brands, such as Ekosport-Rent, Espace Montagne, Mondovélo, S2 Sneakers Specialist, Urban Soccer, and WAS We Are Select.

Established in 1966, Céraclès Coopérative operates 735 stores through its various brands. The partnership's completion will depend on consultations with employee representative bodies and regulatory approval.