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France Finalizes Shutdown of Consumer Institute, Starts Sale Process for 60 Millions de Consommateurs

The decree sets a three-month window to find a buyer for the magazine.

Overview

  • The Journal Officiel, which published the decree Sunday, makes the dissolution of the National Consumer Institute official and opens a formal liquidation.
  • A court‑appointed liquidator will run a nine‑month wind‑down from March 31 with an initial three‑month buyer search, and can end the press activity if no viable offer emerges.
  • The Commerce Ministry said it will consider bids from private actors, associations, media companies or an employee buyout, with the choice made in the magazine’s interest.
  • Union representative Lionel Maugain warned the text gives no clarity on protections for about 60 staff and urged legal and editorial safeguards to keep the title independent.
  • The government estimates liquidation costs at €8 million, while the SNME‑CFDT cites about €11 million and points to a 2024 loss followed by a small 2025 profit in questioning the shutdown.