Key Takeaways
- • Apollo Global Management completed acquisition of a majority stake in Prosol Group, a French fresh food retailer and distributor, from previous investor Ardian, with existing minority shareholders and management reinvesting in the deal.
- • Prosol operates or supplies approximately 450 retail locations across France under its two primary banners, Grand Frais and fresh, built on a proprietary vertically integrated supply chain for sourcing quality fresh products.
- • Jean-Paul Mochet remains Chief Executive Officer and will lead the company's long-term growth expansion strategy as it scales its retail concept to additional French markets.
- • UBS AG led financial advisory on the transaction, supported by Royal Bank of Canada and Lazard; Sidley Austin, Paul Weiss, and Cleary Gottlieb provided legal counsel.
- • The transaction demonstrates Apollo's continued deployment into European consumer retail and food distribution, leveraging its alternative asset management platform to acquire differentiated businesses with loyal customer bases.
Summary
Apollo Global Management announced on May 7, 2026, the completion of its acquisition of a majority stake in Prosol Group, a multi-specialist operator in France's fresh food retail and distribution sector. The transaction, previously announced, involved the purchase of Ardian's controlling interest in the company, with existing minority shareholders and the management team committing to reinvest alongside Apollo's funds.
Prosol, founded in 1992, has established a competitive position in French fresh food retail through its development of a proprietary, vertically integrated supply chain focused on sourcing quality fresh products and generating strong customer loyalty. The company operates and supplies approximately 450 stores across France under two primary retail banners: Grand Frais and fresh. This diversified banner approach, combined with its supply chain infrastructure, positions Prosol as a significant player in France's fresh food distribution market.
Jean-Paul Mochet will continue as Chief Executive Officer and will lead the company's strategic initiatives to expand its distinctive retail concept to additional customer segments and geographic penetration within France. The retention of existing management alongside reinvestment by minority shareholders signals continuity in operational leadership and confidence from legacy stakeholders in the company's growth trajectory under Apollo's ownership.
The transaction was supported by a comprehensive advisory team. UBS AG served as lead financial advisor to the Apollo Funds, with Royal Bank of Canada and Lazard providing additional financial advisory services. Legal counsel was provided by three major firms: Sidley Austin LLP, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP. This acquisition reinforces Apollo's strategy of deploying capital into established European consumer businesses with differentiated operational models and durable competitive advantages.
Prosol, founded in 1992, has established a competitive position in French fresh food retail through its development of a proprietary, vertically integrated supply chain focused on sourcing quality fresh products and generating strong customer loyalty. The company operates and supplies approximately 450 stores across France under two primary retail banners: Grand Frais and fresh. This diversified banner approach, combined with its supply chain infrastructure, positions Prosol as a significant player in France's fresh food distribution market.
Jean-Paul Mochet will continue as Chief Executive Officer and will lead the company's strategic initiatives to expand its distinctive retail concept to additional customer segments and geographic penetration within France. The retention of existing management alongside reinvestment by minority shareholders signals continuity in operational leadership and confidence from legacy stakeholders in the company's growth trajectory under Apollo's ownership.
The transaction was supported by a comprehensive advisory team. UBS AG served as lead financial advisor to the Apollo Funds, with Royal Bank of Canada and Lazard providing additional financial advisory services. Legal counsel was provided by three major firms: Sidley Austin LLP, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP. This acquisition reinforces Apollo's strategy of deploying capital into established European consumer businesses with differentiated operational models and durable competitive advantages.
Go deeper than the headline
Research every firm in this story, track the ones that matter and get the daily briefing — free for 7 days.