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Paris Council Backs Plan to Position City to Buy BHV Building as SGM Deadline Nears

The vote sets up a potential municipal bid if Galeries Lafayette seeks a new buyer after exclusivity with SGM expires on 19 December.

Overview

  • Mayor Anne Hidalgo secured adoption of an executive motion authorizing the city to prepare for a purchase of the BHV Marais property should it come to market.
  • The municipality sketches a mixed-use concept with affordable and social housing plus local services while keeping retail, but no financing package is finalized for an acquisition estimated at €300–400 million.
  • A Galeries Lafayette spokesperson said exclusivity with Frédéric Merlin’s Société des grands magasins ends on 19 December, after which the group will consider all options.
  • SGM says its buyout plan is progressing with foreign investment funds as potential backers, yet it must submit a firm dossier by the deadline to keep its bid alive.
  • Unions representing roughly 750 employees warn the latest moves heighten uncertainty for jobs, as the Shein store’s arrival sparked brand departures and strained supplier relations.