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Fnac Darty
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Groupe Fnac Darty, formerly Groupe Fnac S.A., is a multinational retail company headquartered in Ivry-sur-Seine, France. It took its current name after acquiring Darty plc (formerly Kesa Electricals plc and Darty Limited) in 2016.

Key Information

History

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Fnac

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Main article: Fnac

Darty

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In 1957, the Darty family – the father and his three sons, Natan, Marcel and Bernard – managed a small store of textiles. The Darty brothers started to sell stock and, to attract customers, they left the goods on the pavement. Within a few days, the stock was sold. In 1967, the Darty brothers transferred to a larger warehouse.

In 1988, the company proceeded with the repurchase of the business by its employees through a management buyout. The operation was a success, since 90 per cent of employees participated, taking control of 56 per cent of the capital. By the end of 1988, Darty had opened its 100th store.[2] In 1993, Darty was acquired by Kingfisher plc, which integrated Darty and Comet into a European entity based in Paris: Kingfisher Electricals S.A. ('Kesa').

In 1999, Darty opened up a commercial internet site. This entity increased in size through acquisitions and by the beginning of 2003 included Darty and But in France, Comet in the United Kingdom, BCC in the Netherlands, Vanden Borre in Belgium and Datart in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. In 2006, Darty launched DartyBox, an ADSL internet, television and telecommunications provider based on the network of French internet operator Completel.[3]

The company was demerged from Kingfisher plc in 2003.[4] In July 2007, the company bought Menaje Del Hogar, an electrical retail chain based in Spain.[5] On 6 July 2009, the company sold its Swiss operation.[6] In 2012, the company completed the sale of Comet, which they sold for £2 to OpCapita, and paid the purchaser a sweetener of £50 million to take the loss-making venture away.[7]

In 2012, Kesa Electricals was renamed Darty plc.[8] In March 2014, Darty launched its own marketplace (developed by Mirakl) that lists products and services from Darty and third-party vendors.[9][10] In November 2015, Darty plc reached an agreement to merge with the French retailer Fnac.[11] Kesa Electricals plc, Darty plc and Darty Limited In 2016, Darty announced it had instead agreed to be purchased by Steinhoff International for £673 million through Steinhoff's Conforama subsidiary.[12] Fnac returned with a higher offer, resulting in a bidding war between Fnac and Conforama during April 2016.[13] The Fnac offer was declared unconditional on 19 July 2016, thereby allowing the takeover to be completed.[14]

Fnac Darty

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In 2019, Fnac Darty acquired Natures & Decouvertes, an outdoor, nature and well-being goods specialist.[15]

Operations

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Darty was headquartered in London. It had sourcing offices based in Paris and Hong Kong, as well as a wholly owned wholesaler of electrical accessories, Dacem, which supplied all of Darty's European operations.[16]

Following the takeover by Fnac, Fnac and Darty merged, the Fnac group became Fnac Darty and the Darty headquarters joined the Fnac headquarters in Ivry Sur Seine.

Its structure is as follows:

  • Darty: retailer in France; operating 222 stores with 321,800 square metres of selling space
  • Vanden Borre & Fnac Belgium: retailer in Belgium; operating 72 stores with 55,600 square metres of selling space

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Fnac Darty

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from Grokipedia
Fnac Darty is a French multinational retail corporation specializing in the distribution of cultural goods, leisure items, technical products, domestic appliances, and related services, operating as a leading retailer across and beyond. Formed in 2016 through the merger of the French retailers —founded in 1954 by Max Théret and André Essel as a buying club for professionals—and Darty—established in 1957 by the Darty brothers with its signature "Contract of Confidence" for after-sales service—the company is headquartered at 9 Rue des Bateaux-Lavoirs in , . With approximately 1,500 stores and online platforms serving 29 million unique monthly visitors in alone, Fnac Darty employs around 30,000 people and maintains a presence in over ten countries, including , , , , , , and select markets in (such as , , , , and Congo) and the ( and ). The company offers a diverse range of products, from books, music, films, and video games to , computers, smartphones, home appliances, and ticketing services, while emphasizing through initiatives like energy efficiency certifications and strategies. Under the leadership of CEO Enrique Martinez, Fnac Darty has pursued growth via acquisitions—such as Nature & Découvertes, WeFix, Billetreduc.com, and Unieuro in 2024—and strategic plans like "Everyday" (2021) and "Beyond Everyday" (through 2030), focusing on integration, innovations (e.g., Bouton Darty for repairs), and educated, .

Overview

Company profile

Fnac Darty was formed in 2016 through the merger of Fnac, a retailer specializing in cultural goods, and Darty, a chain focused on electronics and household appliances, resulting in a pro forma revenue entity of €7.4 billion. This combination established the group as a key player in the European retail sector, blending expertise in entertainment, technology, and home services. As of 2025, Fnac Darty stands as a leading European distributor of cultural goods, leisure items, technical products, domestic appliances, and related services, operating approximately 1,500 stores across 14 countries. The company is headquartered in , , employs nearly 30,000 people, and is publicly listed on under the ticker EPA: FNAC, with a market capitalization of approximately €828 million as of November 2025. The group's strategic priorities center on retail integration, combining physical stores with digital platforms to enhance customer access. Sustainability efforts include initiatives to extend product lifespans through repair services and second-hand offerings, such as Darty MAX, which supported the repair of 2.6 million products in 2024. The 2030 "Beyond Everyday" strategic plan further emphasizes premium, innovative, and , aiming to expand service subscriptions to 4 million users and achieve an above 3% by promoting practices. Fnac Darty generates approximately 60% of its revenue from as of 2024, with additional operations in , , , , (through Unieuro), Luxembourg, and emerging markets including , , , , , Congo, and . This footprint underscores its role as a pan-European leader, prioritizing proximity to consumers via localized retail and service networks.

Ownership and corporate structure

Fnac Darty S.A. is structured as a société anonyme (SA), a French governed by Book II of the French Commercial Code, with its registered office at 9 Rue des Bateaux-Lavoirs, ZAC Port d'Ivry, 94200 , . Incorporated on December 15, 1917, the company has a term extending until January 1, 2100, and as of October 31, 2025, its share capital stood at €29,682,146, comprising 29,682,146 fully paid-up shares of €1 each. The company is listed on under the ticker , with a significant free float representing approximately 35.15% of the capital held by public and institutional investors as of that date. The ownership of Fnac Darty is dispersed among several major shareholders, with no single entity holding a controlling majority stake. As of February 28, 2025, the largest shareholder is Vesa Equity Investment S.à r.l., controlled by Czech investor Daniel Křetínský, holding 28.28% of the share capital and 28.93% of voting rights through 8,375,767 shares. Ceconomy AG, a German retail group, maintains the second-largest position with 21.95% of the capital and 22.46% of voting rights via 6,501,845 shares, a stake it has held since acquiring approximately 24% in 2017 as a financial investment without operational control. Other notable shareholders include GLAS SAS (10.22% of capital), institutional investors such as Norges Bank Investment Management (0.059% as of June 30, 2025), and employee share ownership plans (2.14%). Treasury shares account for 2.25%, and there are no known shareholders' agreements conferring special rights or control. Fnac Darty operates as an independent entity with its own board of directors and executive committee, despite Ceconomy's substantial minority stake, which does not confer subsidiary status or direct governance influence. The board, comprising 12 members as of December 31, 2024 (55% women and 91% independent, excluding employee representatives), oversees strategy and compliance under the AFEP-MEDEF corporate governance code, with no reported conflicts of interest among major shareholders. The company has no significant joint ventures established after 2020, focusing instead on full ownership of its core operations. The corporate structure includes 62 fully consolidated subsidiaries, primarily in retail and services, enabling operations across 14 countries with approximately 1,500 stores (43% franchised). Key subsidiaries encompass Unieuro S.p.A., an Italian consumer electronics retailer acquired in November 2024 for full ownership (initially 91.1% stake reached on November 12, 2024, increasing to 96.70% by December 11, 2024, and finalized at nearly 100%), operating over 500 stores and generating €2.6 billion in 2023 revenue; and Nature & Découvertes, 100% owned since 2022, focusing on sustainable goods with 103 stores mainly in and four additional outlets in and managed from , alongside subsidiaries in and . International operations are supported by branded entities such as stores in , , , and Darty outlets in and , all fully integrated under the parent SA. Following the Unieuro acquisition, its shares were delisted from Borsa Italiana's STAR segment effective January 8, 2025, in line with Italian regulations after exceeding the 90% threshold.

History

Origins and early development of Fnac

Fnac was founded on July 21, 1954, in by André Essel and Max Théret as the Fédération Nationale d'Achat des Cadres (FNAC), a members-only purchasing consortium aimed at providing discounted access to cultural and technical products without intermediaries, starting with photographic equipment through a mail-order model and an initial physical store on Rue de Sébastopol. The founders, both affiliated with left-leaning French intellectual circles, emphasized expertise and direct sourcing to offer high-quality goods at reduced prices, initially targeting cadres (managers and professionals) via a subscription-based membership card that provided discounts and access to exclusive offerings. This approach democratized access to items like cameras and records, setting Fnac apart from traditional retailers by focusing on informed consumer choices rather than high markups. In the and , transitioned from its club origins to a broader retail presence, opening its doors to non-members in 1966 and launching a second Paris store on Avenue de Wagram, while expanding product lines to include televisions in 1957, hi-fi systems, records, and books, with a strong emphasis on cultural items such as and . By the early , the company had grown to 12 stores across and provincial , introducing independent product testing in 1972 through a dedicated to guide customers with expert advice and hosting cultural events like author signings and exhibitions to foster community engagement. The launch of limited book discounting in 1974 further solidified its role in the cultural sector, though this was capped at 5% by French law in , prompting to prioritize advisory services over pure price competition. During the 1980s and 1990s, Fnac accelerated its growth and diversification, going public on the stock exchange in 1980 by offering 25% of shares, which fueled expansion to over 20 stores in by the mid-1980s and broader entry into alongside its core cultural offerings of , music, and films. International expansion began in 1981 with the opening of its first store outside in , , followed by a short-lived venture in in 1991 (closing in 1995) and entry into in 1993 with a flagship store in , reaching eight international full-product stores by the mid-1990s. In 1999, Fnac pioneered online sales with the launch of fnac.com, adapting to while maintaining its in-store focus on customer expertise and cultural programming. In the , leading up to the pre-merger period, faced intensifying competition from online giants like Amazon, which entered the in 2000 and challenged Fnac's dominance in books and media with aggressive pricing and vast selection. Acquired by the Pinault-Printemps-Redoute (PPR) group in 1994, Fnac navigated economic pressures, including a crisis that reduced profits, by streamlining operations and emphasizing strategies, culminating in its delisting from PPR through a spin-off and on in 2013 to regain independence. Throughout this era, Fnac's commitment to knowledgeable staff advice and in-store cultural events remained a key differentiator, supporting its evolution from a niche club to a major European retailer.

Origins and expansion of Darty

Darty was founded in 1957 by brothers Natan, Marcel, and Bernard Darty in Montreuil, near , , initially as a small fabric shop that quickly pivoted to selling electrical appliances such as radios and televisions amid the post-World War II consumer boom. The company emphasized customer service from the outset, offering home delivery and repair services to build trust in an era when household appliances were becoming essential but repairs were often unreliable. During the 1960s and 1970s, Darty experienced rapid domestic growth, opening its first large-format store in in 1968, spanning 800 square meters and pioneering shopping for appliances in . By 1973, the chain had expanded to nine stores and introduced the "Contract of Confidence," a groundbreaking policy guaranteeing fixed prices, free delivery, after-sales service, and a satisfaction-or-money-back assurance, which differentiated Darty from competitors reliant on variable pricing and limited support. This period also saw the launch of specialized and repair services using distinctive yellow vans, enhancing accessibility and reinforcing the brand's service-oriented model; by 1980, Darty operated around 80 stores across , with employees receiving extensive technical training to handle repairs and installations proficiently. In the 1980s, Darty went public on the Paris stock exchange in 1976 and reached 100 stores by 1988, following a management buyout that gave employees majority ownership and further invested in workforce development for expert service delivery. The company attempted early international expansion into Spain during this decade but faced setbacks and refocused domestically; in 1993, it was acquired by Kingfisher plc, leading to integration into a broader European network. Under the resulting Kesa Electricals group—formed after a 2003 demerger—Darty pushed abroad more aggressively, acquiring stakes in the UK (via Comet), Belgium (Vanden Borre), Spain, Portugal, and Turkey, growing to over 1,000 stores Europe-wide by the mid-2000s. The 2000s brought challenges from rising debt due to aggressive expansions, intensified online competition, and economic downturns, prompting strategic retreats: Darty exited in 2012, sold its Comet for a nominal £2 (which subsequently collapsed), and closed Spanish operations in 2013. Kesa Electricals rebranded to Darty plc in 2012 to streamline around its core identity. By 2015, ahead of its merger with , Darty had refocused on with approximately 400 stores across —primarily in its home market—emphasizing white goods, repair services, and the enduring "Contract of Confidence" to maintain leadership in appliance retail.

Merger formation and subsequent acquisitions

In November 2015, Groupe Fnac SA announced an agreement to acquire Darty Plc in an all-share transaction valued at approximately £615 million (about $934 million at the time), representing a 27.4% premium to Darty's closing share price of 81 pence on , 2015. The deal faced scrutiny from competition authorities, culminating in approval by the French Autorité de la concurrence on July 18, 2016, conditional on the divestiture of six overlapping stores (five Darty and one ) in the Paris region to address antitrust concerns in and household appliances markets. The merger completed on July 28, 2016, establishing Fnac Darty SA as a leading European retailer, with targeted annual cost synergies of €65 million from , , and administrative efficiencies, alongside expected revenue synergies of €20 million. The combined entity reported revenues of €7.4 billion for 2016, reflecting the integration of Fnac's cultural and media expertise with Darty's technical consumer goods focus. Following the merger, key milestones included AG's acquisition of a 24% stake in Fnac Darty for €526 million in 2017, providing strategic support and market exposure in . In 2018, Fnac Darty acquired a majority stake in WeFix, a leading French express repair service, to expand its repair and services offerings. In , Fnac Darty completed the acquisition of & Découvertes, a chain specializing in nature, well-being, and outdoor products with around 100 stores, enhancing its diversification into categories, and also acquired Billetreduc.com to reinforce its ticketing . The most significant expansion came in 2024, when Fnac Darty partnered with Ruby Equity Investment to launch a voluntary for Italian retailer Unieuro S.p.A., securing a 91.1% stake for an of €249 million (including Fnac Darty's prior 4.4% holding) and achieving delisting effective January 8, 2025; this added approximately 500 stores in , bolstering Fnac Darty's Southern European presence. Post-merger developments also involved regulatory-mandated divestitures, with Fnac Darty selling the required Paris-area stores by late 2017 despite challenges that led to a €20 million fine in for delays. During the in 2020–2021, the group accelerated enhancements, including expanded click-and-collect options and digital platforms, driving online sales to represent 26% of by 2021 and adding over 5 million active online customers. The merger and subsequent moves scaled Fnac Darty to more than 1,000 stores across , emphasizing services like extended warranties and ticketing for sustained growth amid retail transformation.

Operations

Retail network and store formats

Fnac Darty operates an extensive retail network comprising over 1,500 physical stores across 13 countries as of December 31, 2024, primarily in Western and , with a significant presence in . In and , the core markets, the company maintained approximately 836 integrated and franchised outlets as of December 31, 2024, including 233 stores in (91 integrated and 142 franchised), 218 integrated Darty locations, 273 franchised Darty stores, 18 in French overseas territories, and 8 stores in . and together hosted around 85 stores as of December 31, 2024, with 36 outlets in (including 3 franchised) and 47 in (including 10 ); as of June 30, 2025, there were 35 stores in and 50 in . In and neighboring regions, there were 84 stores in and (primarily under the Vanden Borre brand) as of June 30, 2025, while featured 8 standalone stores plus 14 shop-in-shops within Manor department stores. Italy's network was bolstered by Unieuro, with 522 stores (approximately 49% franchised, or 255 outlets) as of December 31, 2024, decreasing to 515 by June 30, 2025. The company's store formats vary to cater to different consumer needs and product focuses. Fnac hypermarkets, emphasizing cultural goods and , typically span 2,000 to 2,400 square meters, with 159 traditional locations and 17 smaller "Périphérie" variants. Darty specialist stores, centered on appliances and , range from 1,500 square meters for 218 integrated sites to 600 square meters for 273 franchised ones. Shop-in-shop concepts integrate or repair services into partner venues, such as the 14 Fnac sections in Swiss Manor stores or 9 within Nature & Découvertes outlets in . Franchised outlets constitute about 43% of the total network, enabling expansion through local partnerships while maintaining brand standards. Unieuro in operates a similar mix of over 500 owned and 255 franchised points of sale as of end-2024, focusing on . Digital integration forms a of Darty's strategy, with online sales accounting for 22% of total revenue in 2024 and growing by over 3% like-for-like in Q1 2025. The group maintains 14 country-specific websites, including fnac.com and darty.com in , fnac.es in , fnac.pt in , unieuro.it in , and vandenborre.be in , serving seven core European markets plus select international ones. Click-and-collect services are available in nearly 1,000 stores, representing 52% of online orders and supported by proximity to 90% of French consumers within 15 minutes of a location. In emerging markets, Fnac Darty has established 16 franchised stores across and the as of end-2024, including 6 in , 3 in , 2 in , 2 in , 1 in Congo, 1 in , and 1 in . These outlets leverage local franchises to extend the brand into non-European regions while aligning with the group's model. In September 2025, Fnac Darty launched the Darty brand in , planning to open over 30 stores by 2030. As of June 2025, the group had 1,502 stores following 14 openings and 39 closures in the first half of the year. Sustainability initiatives in operations include energy-efficient store designs, such as LED and HVAC upgrades in 137 French locations, reducing consumption by 27% compared to 2022 levels (86.4 GWh in 2024) and CO2 emissions by 30% since 2019. Repair services are integrated via 5 central workshops in and a network of 126 WeFix-certified points of sale, where 2.6 million products were repaired in 2024, supporting goals and avoiding 190,000 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions.

Product categories and services

Fnac Darty offers a diverse portfolio of product categories centered on , domestic appliances, cultural goods, and items. , including televisions, computers, smartphones, and , represent the largest segment, accounting for approximately 46.5% of revenue in 2024. Domestic appliances, encompassing white goods like refrigerators and washing machines as well as small appliances such as coffee makers and vacuum cleaners, contribute around 20.6% of revenue. Editorial products, which include books, music, films, and video games, make up about 17.4% of the portfolio, with notable strength in gaming driven by launches like the Nintendo Switch 2. The remaining 15.5% covers other products such as toys, games, stationery, and diversified items like bedding and sustainable goods through the Nature & Découvertes subsidiary, acquired in 2019 to expand into natural, well-being, and eco-friendly offerings. The company's services portfolio complements its product offerings, emphasizing post-purchase support and experiential value. Extended warranties, available up to five years, are a core service, with the Darty Max subscription model providing unlimited repairs and targeting two million subscribers by the end of 2025; it reached 1.336 million subscribers in 2024. Installation and repair services leverage Darty's expertise, supported by over 100 technical centers in and centralized workshops for home delivery and setup of large appliances. Loyalty programs like Fnac+, with 9.6 million members, offer benefits such as exclusive pricing and digital support through Fnac Vie Digitale, while financing options via partnerships with Crédit Agricole enable installment plans and rentals over 2 to 36 months. Ticketing and events, managed through a 35% stake in France Billet, cover concerts and shows, generating €49.1 million in revenue in 2024. In 2025, Fnac Darty has prioritized trends toward premium and , with double-digit growth in services representing a key driver; refurbished saw sharp sales increases, reaching €150 million in gross merchandise value with double-digit expansion. The "Sustainable Choice" label highlights over 900 eco-designed and repairable items, including energy-efficient appliances and second-hand goods with two-year warranties, aligning with broader goals to repair 2.5 million products annually—exceeded at 2.56 million in 2024. Online-exclusive categories, such as and refurbished tech, have grown, comprising 22% of through an approach. Sourcing emphasizes strategic partnerships with major brands like , through integrated services, and , recognized for smartphone durability in Fnac Darty's assessments. Private labels account for a significant portion of sales, supported by expertise in licensed brands and synergies from alliances like the European Retail Alliance with MediaMarktSaturn, focusing on development and innovation. The integration of Unieuro, acquired in late 2024 as Italy's leading electronics and appliances retailer, enhances the portfolio with Italian-specific offerings in domestic appliances and gaming, enabling cross-border synergies in common categories and localized premium products.

Financial performance

Revenue growth and profitability

Following the 2016 merger, Fnac Darty achieved annual revenue of €7.4 billion. The company has since demonstrated steady revenue growth, culminating in a trailing twelve-month (TTM) figure of approximately €9.3 billion as of June 2025. This expansion reflects contributions from organic sales increases and strategic acquisitions, with first-half 2025 revenue reaching €4.48 billion, up 0.7% on a like-for-like (LFL) basis compared to the prior year. Over the first nine months of 2025, revenue totaled €7.0 billion, marking 1.0% LFL growth. Like-for-like growth accelerated to 1.6% in the third quarter of 2025. Profitability metrics highlight a mix of resilience and investment pressures. For 2025, adjusted EBITDA is forecasted at approximately €670 million, equating to a 6.3% margin, though this remains below pre-pandemic levels. In the first half of 2025, current operating income recorded a loss of €56 million, primarily due to heightened investments in digital and store transformations. Prior to the outbreak, profitability reached historical peaks in 2019, with EBITDA at €626 million. Growth has been propelled by several key drivers. Online sales rose nearly 8% in the first half of 2025, underscoring the shift toward e-commerce. Services delivered double-digit growth across most regions during this period, bolstering margins through extended warranties and repairs. Diversification efforts, particularly in toys and games, contributed around 10% growth, while the integration of Unieuro added roughly €1.5 billion in annual revenue, expanding the group's scale to over €10 billion. Geographically, accounts for 70% of revenue, the rest of 25%, and international operations 5%, reflecting the company's core market dominance while pursuing European expansion. Challenges include pronounced , with revenue spikes tied to back-to-school and hardware launches, alongside resilience during the with revenue increasing slightly to €7.5 billion in 2020 despite store closures and supply disruptions, with lingering effects through 2022.

Key financial events and metrics

In 2017, acquired a 24% stake in Fnac Darty from Artémis for €452 million, becoming the largest shareholder and providing strategic exposure to the French retail market. In response to liquidity pressures during the , Fnac Darty secured a €300 million delayed-draw in 2020, enhancing its financial flexibility alongside a €400 million facility that remained undrawn. The 2024 acquisition of Unieuro for approximately €249 million marked a significant expansion into , funded primarily through €56 million in cash and €60 million in newly issued shares, integrating Unieuro's operations to bolster Fnac Darty's European footprint. Key financial metrics reflect Fnac Darty's post-merger stability and moderate leverage. The debt-to-EBITDA ratio stood at approximately 2.5x in 2025, supported by ' revision of the outlook to stable following the Unieuro acquisition, with the issuer rating affirmed at BB+. Gross margins remained stable at around 28% since the 2016 merger, reaching 28.9% in the first half of 2025 amid improved inventory management and service revenue growth. Return on equity averaged 5-7% from 2021 to 2025, reflecting consistent profitability amid retail sector challenges. Fnac Darty's demonstrates prudent capital allocation, with payments suspended in 2020 due to uncertainties but resumed in 2022 at €0.45 per share, increasing to €1.00 per share proposed for 2024 at a 40% payout ratio. Capital expenditures for 2025 were planned at €150 million, focused on digital enhancements and store upgrades to support growth. Financial risks include currency exposure from international operations, particularly post-Unieuro integration, which could impact reported earnings in a volatile environment. For 2025, EBITDA margins were forecasted to grow by 15 basis points, driven by operational efficiencies and revenue diversification.

Leadership and governance

Executive leadership

The executive leadership of Fnac Darty is headed by Chief Executive Officer Enrique Martinez, who has served in the role since July 2017 and brings over 25 years of experience in retail across , , and . A graduate of in , Martinez joined Fnac in 1998 to launch the brand in and progressed through roles including General Manager for the Iberian zone and Managing Director for and before assuming the CEO position. Under his leadership, the company has focused on transformation, the integration of the 2021 "Everyday" strategic plan emphasizing sustainable retail and value-added services, and the 2024 acquisition of Unieuro in , where he serves as Chairman to expand European operations. In June 2025, Martinez unveiled the "Beyond Everyday" 2030 strategic plan, aiming for nearly 4 million subscribers across services and accelerated rollout of a sustainability-focused model. The is Jean-Brieuc Le Tinier, who oversees financial operations, , and activities in . A graduate of HEC , Le Tinier has a background in finance from roles at , (including as Group Financial Control Director and Treasury Director), Brico Dépôt, and , where he served as Group CFO from 2013 to 2016. He played a key role in funding and executing the 2024 Unieuro acquisition, contributing to the group's financial stability amid European expansion. Other key C-suite executives include Operations Director François Gazuit, responsible for managing and Darty's integrated and franchised stores as well as coordinating activities in ; Gazuit, an ESSCA graduate, joined in 1990 and returned to the group in 2013 after stints at , , and Pixmania. For digital and efforts, Olivier Theulle serves as Director of and Digital, focusing on enhancing online integration with physical stores. On the commercial side, Florence Lemetais acts as Sales and Marketing Director, driving transformation, promotion, and retail media investments under the "Everyday" plan; she joined in 2022 with prior experience at , Alain Afflelou, and . Tiffany Foucault, General Secretary overseeing , (CSR), and Governance since October 2024, leads efforts to boost across the group's approximately 30,000 employees; with over 20 years in HR from BIC, , and , she joined in 2019 to align culture with strategic goals. Recent leadership changes include several 2024 appointments to support and digital pushes, such as Foucault's elevation to General Secretary and Lemetais's promotion to Sales and Marketing Director, reflecting a post-2022 refresh to align with European growth objectives. The executive team's average tenure exceeds five years, providing continuity amid these transitions. Executive compensation is performance-based; for instance, CEO Martinez's total 2024 pay was approximately €4.21 million, comprising 19% fixed salary (€800,000 gross) and 81% variable components tied to EBITDA, revenue growth, and ESG targets.

Board composition and governance practices

As of November 2025, the Board of Directors of Fnac Darty consists of 14 members, including the Chairman, the CEO, two employee representatives, and 11 independent directors, representing approximately 79% independence excluding the employee representatives and CEO. The board is chaired by Jacques Veyrat, an independent director appointed in 2020. The board operates through four key standing committees to support its oversight functions. The Audit Committee, chaired by Sandra Lagumina and comprising three independent members, handles financial reporting, internal controls, and risk management, including sustainability-related risks. The Appointments and Compensation Committee, led by Olivier Duha with a majority of independent directors, focuses on executive remuneration, succession planning, and promoting board diversity. The Strategy Committee, chaired by Olivier Duha and including five members, reviews strategic initiatives such as mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, the Corporate, Environmental, and Social Responsibility (CESR) Committee, under Jean-Marc Janaillac, oversees ESG policies and sustainability strategies. Diversity on the board reflects Fnac Darty's international footprint, with approximately 43% women (six out of 14 directors) and a mix of nationalities including French, German, Spanish, and Italian representatives, enhanced by the 2024 integration of Unieuro. Fnac Darty adheres to the AFEP-MEDEF Code, conducting annual board evaluations and ensuring compliance with French legal requirements for . The company produces annual ESG reporting aligned with European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), integrated into its Universal Registration Document. Shareholder rights are upheld through annual General Meetings (AGMs) with one-share-one-vote principles and transparent voting procedures, as demonstrated in the May 2025 AGM. Anti-corruption measures are embedded in the company's Vigilance Plan, supported by an , whistleblower mechanisms, and mandatory training under the French Sapin II Law. In 2024, the board incorporated expertise from the Unieuro acquisition, completed in November 2024, with Meloni co-opted as a director in February 2025 to represent Italian operations, ratified at the May 2025 AGM. practices have increasingly emphasized , with the CESR Committee guiding targets such as a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 and enhanced oversight of initiatives.

References

  1. https://www.fnacdarty.com/en/group/
  2. https://www.fnacdarty.com/en/group/our-history/
  3. https://www.fnacdarty.com/en/contact/
  4. https://www.fnacdarty.com/en/group/fnac-darty-around-the-world/
  5. https://www.fnacdarty.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Registration-document-2016.pdf
  6. https://www.fnacdarty.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/fnac-darty-urd-2024-eng.pdf
  7. https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/FNAC.PA/
  8. https://www.fnacdarty.com/en/esg-commitments/sustainable-consumption/
  9. https://www.fnacdarty.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/fnac-darty-unveils-beyond-everyday-its-2030-strategic-plan.pdf
  10. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1069807/fnac-darty-turnover-region/
  11. https://www.fnacdarty.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/number-of-shares-and-voting-rights-as-of-october-31-2025.pdf
  12. https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/FNAC-DARTY-13449504/company-shareholders/
  13. https://simplywall.st/stocks/fr/retail/epa-fnac/fnac-darty-shares/ownership
  14. https://www.ceconomy.de/media/170726_press_release_en_final.pdf
  15. https://www.fnacdarty.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/corporate-gouvernance-chapter3.pdf
  16. https://www.fnacdarty.com/en/fnac-darty-et-ruby-atteignent-avec-succes-911-du-capital-dunieuro-qui-sera-retiree-de-la-cote/
  17. https://live.euronext.com/en/products/equities/company-news/2025-01-08-settlement-joint-procedure-and-delisting-unieuro-shares
  18. https://www.fnacdarty.com/en/publications/unieuro-nouvelle-gouvernance-de-lentite-italienne-du-groupe-fnac-darty/
  19. https://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/fnac-history/
  20. https://www.upi.com/Archives/2000/08/30/Amazoncom-takes-root-in-France/7360967608000/
  21. https://www.encyclopedia.com/books/politics-and-business-magazines/darty-sa
  22. https://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/darty-s-a-history/
  23. https://www.reuters.com/article/business/electricals-retailer-darty-to-close-spanish-stores-idUSBRE9330EJ/
  24. https://www.reuters.com/article/darty-brief/brief-darty-to-close-spanish-operations-idUSWLB0025Y20130404
  25. https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2012/0620/325775-electronics-retailer-kesa-to-rebrand-as-darty/
  26. https://www.reuters.com/article/business/hot-summer-boosts-darty-s-fridge-sales-in-france-idUSKCN0RA0ZE/
  27. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-11-20/fnac-beats-offer-deadline-to-seal-934-million-darty-takeover
  28. https://www.reuters.com/article/world/fnac-bids-for-darty-to-form-french-electrical-goods-leader-idUSL5N1200UP/
  29. https://www.autoritedelaconcurrence.fr/en/communiques-de-presse/18-july-2016-retailing-brown-and-grey-products
  30. https://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/en/knowledge/publications/b2489d93/acquisition-of-darty-by-fnac-the-competition-watchdog-modernizes-its-view-to-define-a-market-by-including-in-store-and-online-retail-channels
  31. https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/FNAC-DARTY-13449504/news/Groupe-Fnac-Societe-Anonyme-completed-the-acquisition-of-Darty-plc-from-Schroder-Investment-Manage-35387575/
  32. https://www.fnacdarty.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2015-11-20-Acquisition-Presentation-1.pdf
  33. https://www.fnacdarty.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2016-Full-Year-Results.pdf
  34. https://www.reuters.com/article/business/germanys-ceconomy-enters-france-with-526-million-fnac-darty-stake-idUSKBN1AB1JC/
  35. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/09/20/1573440/0/en/Fnac-Darty-invests-in-express-smartphone-repair-Agreement-for-the-acquisition-of-a-majority-stake-in-WeFix.html
  36. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/07/31/1894919/0/en/Fnac-Darty-completes-the-acquisition-of-Nature-D%25C3%25A9couvertes.html
  37. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/01/17/1701503/0/en/Fnac-Darty-reinforces-its-ticketing-offering-Exclusive-negotiations-to-acquire-Billetreduc-com.html
  38. https://www.fnacdarty.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pr-tosca-announcement-eng-16-07-2024-1.pdf
  39. https://www.statista.com/topics/10875/unieuro/
  40. https://www.autoritedelaconcurrence.fr/en/communiques-de-presse/27-july-2018-fnacs-acquisition-darty
  41. https://www.fnacdarty.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/CP_estimation_avril-mai-2020_ENG_DEF.pdf
  42. https://www.forrester.com/press-newsroom/e-commerce-in-western-europe-saw-record-31-growth/
  43. https://www.fnacdarty.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/fnac-darty-investor-presentation-sept-2024.pdf
  44. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/10/22/3171331/0/en/Fnac-Darty-LFL-revenue-up-1-6-in-Q3-2025-and-1-0-in-9M-2025.html
  45. https://www.fnacdarty.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/20250423-fnac-darty-pr-q1-2025-mel.pdf
  46. https://www.fnacdarty.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fnac-darty-investor-presentation-april-may-2024.pdf
  47. https://www.fnacdarty.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/pr-fnac-darty-darty-portugal-launch-september-2025.pdf
  48. https://www.fnacdarty.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/presentation-t32025-ang-22-10-2025-mel.pdf
  49. https://www.fnacdarty.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/CP_finalisation-ND_VA.pdf
  50. https://www.fnacdarty.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/fnac-darty-pr-h12025-eng-v23-07-2025-mel-1.pdf
  51. https://secondarymarket.news/blog/fnac-darty-smartphone-durability-ranking/
  52. https://www.fnacdarty.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/transcript-call-2024-07-16-eng.pdf
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  55. https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/60406-03
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  60. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/07/23/3120508/0/en/Fnac-Darty-Revenue-up-2-1-in-Q2-2025-and-0-7-in-H1-2025-LFL.html
  61. https://www.fnacdarty.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/cp-fnac-darty-re-sultats-annuels-2020-vdef-eng-1.pdf
  62. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-26/metro-agrees-to-buy-24-stake-in-fnac-darty-for-530-million
  63. https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/detail?dockey=1330-1000784443en-6OTIJ531EC15LPMLDDGKP39HEA
  64. https://www.fitchratings.com/research/corporate-finance/fnac-dartys-planned-acquisition-of-unieuro-is-credit-neutral-18-07-2024
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  78. https://www.fnacdarty.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/sustainability-information.pdf
  79. https://www.fnacdarty.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/brochure-de-convocation-2025-en-melpdf.pdf
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