La Vie Claire, a pioneer in the distribution of organic products in France, announces that Crédit Mutuel Equity has acquired a minority stake in the company through a significant capital increase. This transaction aims to support La Vie Claire's ambitions in the organic market. The Pelen family remains the company's main shareholder.
A transaction that is part of a long-term strategy
As La Vie Claire celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2026, this transaction confirms the brand's ambition to continue its commitment to high-quality, accessible organic products with a strong focus on the future. The Pelen family, shareholders since 1996, remain the majority shareholders and retain control of the company. “I am delighted to welcome Crédit Mutuel Equity, a long-term shareholder that shares our family values and is fully committed to La Vie Claire's development plan”, said Régis Pelen.
Providing the brand with enhanced resources to pursue its ambition
Under the leadership of Christelle Le Hir and her teams, La Vie Claire has been gradually
transforming its model over the past four years, structured around the “Cap Clair” plan.
Modernization of the network, evolution of the store concept, enrichment of the offering,
attractiveness of the franchise, loyalty initiatives: the work carried out has consolidated
the fundamentals of the brand and confirmed the strength of its positioning in the organic market.
The group, which has more than 1,000 employees and 315 points of sale, generated revenue of nearly
€350 million in 2025, a significant increase over the previous year.
“The second generation of the Cap Clair plan, launched in 2025, focuses in particular on promoting
the La Vie Claire own brand, optimizing its franchise model, strengthening its operational
excellence, and expanding its network. Through this capital increase, La Vie Claire is further
strengthening its ambitions,” explains Christelle Le Hir, Chair of the
Executive Board of La Vie Claire.
The capital increase announced today aims at strengthening the company's financial
resources in order to support projects already underway and accompany the next stages of its development.
"Christelle le Hir and her teams have carried out a profound transformation of La Vie Claire. Now
firmly positioned in its market, benefiting from its long-standing reputation and equipped with
the right tools, particularly in terms of logistics, the group has ambitious development projects
for the coming years. Crédit Mutuel Equity, a subsidiary of the first bank to adopt the status of
a mission-driven company, is mobilizing its own funds and expertise in the retail and agri-food sectors
to support La Vie Claire in its roadmap, which focuses on gaining market share and strengthening the territorial
coverage of its network, both directly and through franchises", explains Philippe Cristao Pedro
of Crédit Mutuel Equity.
The transaction remains subject to the fulfillment of conditions precedent.