By Danai Alexaki
The management of the Marinopoulos supermarket group is reportedly in advanced talks with Greek banks over a new loan agreement worth 100 million euros, viewed as a necessary for the chain to access working capital and cover debts to suppliers.
According to reports, Marinopoulos – which was French national Carrefour’s strategic partner in Greece before the former curtailed its international operations – is also seeking a discount on its obligations to third parties but at the same time eyeing a repayment scheme and new orders with suppliers.
Marinopoulos operates 520 supermarket units in Greece, while 380 outlets are franchise stores.
The company recently announced a deal with another major Greek supermarket chain, Sklavenitis, to form a joint company in order to co-manage 33 so-called “hyper markets” in the country.
