The future of the iconic Alsatian supermarket trolley manufacturer, Caddy, remains uncertain as two takeover offers have been submitted. Despite being placed in liquidation with continued activity by the commercial chamber of the Saverne court (Bas-Rhin), the company continues to operate for the time being.
The current owner, the Cochez group, based in Valenciennes (North) and specializing in transport and industrial services, has proposed to retain 15 of the 110 employees. Their plan focuses on abandoning industrial activity and instead concentrating on trading and reconditioning trolleys.
A second offer comes from Skade Management, led by Stéphane Dedieu, a former owner of Caddy. This proposal aims to retain 42 employees and maintain industrial activity while also developing a trading division. However, this offer comes with the caveat that it lacks immediate financing and would only commence in September, a delay that poses significant challenges due to Caddy's current cash flow issues.
Pierre Dulmet, lawyer for the Social and Economic Committee (CSE), emphasized the need for the candidates to improve their offers and provide sufficient guarantees to convince both the employees and the court. 'Caddy stays alive. As long as there is life there is hope,' Dulmet remarked.
Caddy, a name inspired by golf and registered in 1959, has its industrial roots dating back to 1928. The company enjoyed significant success with the rise of the consumer society, becoming synonymous with the metal shopping cart. However, it has faced numerous challenges over the years, including a near-liquidation in 2022 before being rescued with public funds by Cochez. In May 2023, Caddy announced it would cease the production of plastic supermarket trolleys, citing environmental concerns.
- The commercial chamber of the Saverne court will examine the two offers during a hearing scheduled for July 16. The decision could either result in an immediate liquidation or a continuation of the liquidation process while analyzing the potential of the submitted offers.
- The Cochez group had initially proposed to keep 40 employees but revised their offer down to 15. This move has raised concerns among the workforce about job security and the future direction of the company.
- The lack of immediate financing in Skade Management's offer adds another layer of uncertainty. If accepted, the delay until September could be detrimental to Caddy's already strained financial situation.
