In a strategic shift, Decathlon has initiated the divestment of a portion of its property assets, marking the recent sale of properties housing approximately 90 stores situated across key European markets such as France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Germany. Eversheds Sutherland, the international law firm, played a pivotal role in advising Decathlon on this substantial transaction. The buyer, Realty Income, a renowned US investor, has secured the properties in a significant deal valued at over €600 million.
This sizable operation encompasses the sale of properties spanning an extensive 400,000 square meters. As reported by Les Echos, Decathlon has strategically divested the premises of around 30 stores in France, a market where the company operates 325 stores, maintaining ownership of roughly 40% of its French store premises. Barbara Martin Coppola, Decathlon’s CEO since last year, is steering the company through this strategic realignment.
Realty Income, known for its footprint in the USA, the UK, Spain, Italy, and Ireland, is making its inaugural entry into the French and German markets with this transformative deal. Decathlon, with a global presence of 1,751 stores, continues to evolve its strategic positioning. The company reported a revenue of €15.4 billion in 2022, with €4.7 billion originating from its home market of France.
This move underscores Decathlon’s commitment to optimizing its property portfolio strategically, enhancing operational efficiency and financial flexibility for sustained growth and competitiveness.
