What: Decathlon has initiated the sale of properties housing around 90 of its stores in France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Germany, with the transaction valued at over EUR 600 million.

Why it is important: This strategic divestment reflects the evolving dynamics within both retail and real estate sectors, marking a notable development for the French sporting goods group.

The properties, covering approximately 400,000 square meters, have been purchased by US investor Realty Income, marking their entry into France and Germany. This move is significant as Decathlon remains the owner of about 40% of its French stores' premises, with France being its primary market, where it operates 325 stores and generated EUR 4.7 billion of its EUR 15.4 billion revenue in 2022.

Under the leadership of Barbara Martin Coppola, Decathlon currently operates 1,751 stores globally.

Decathlon sells premises of 90 European stores