The CEO of French retailer E.Leclerc has said he wants to leapfrog Carrefour as the country’s number one retailer by 2015.

Michel-Edouard Leclerc, speaking to French newspaper Le Monde, said: “Our objective is to dethrone Carrefour between now and 2015, thanks to an annual growth rate of 4.5% to 5.5% a year.”

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

He added that he wants to increase the company’s market share from 17.5% to 18% in 2012 by dropping prices and enhancing its online sales.

Carrefour is struggling in France and has issued a number of profit warnings. The most recent was announced two weeks ago, when the world’s second-largest retailer said last week that its annual operating income could fall by 15-20% this year.

Last week, shareholder Knight Vinke Asset Management also urged the French retail giant to appoint an independent chairman.

In an open letter to Carrefour stakeholders, Knight Vinke CEO Eric Knight said the investment fund, which owns 1.5% in the retailer, “cannot stand by and watch without reacting” to the retailer’s struggles.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Food Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now