Profi
Established: 2000
Country: Romania
Investors: MidEuropa
Profi is one of the largest supermarket chains in Romania by number of stores and one of the fastest‑growing food retailers in the country. During MidEuropa’s ownership, the company was transformed into a national retail leader through rapid network expansion and strong like‑for‑like growth.
The value creation strategy focused on scaling the store network, enhancing the customer proposition, and investing in digital capabilities. MidEuropa supported the rollout of a new store concept to drive growth, strengthened governance through experienced retail leadership, and implemented digital initiatives including a widely adopted mobile application.
At MidEuropa’s exit, Profi had become a scalable and strategically attractive platform, culminating in a landmark transaction with Ahold Delhaize, validating both the company’s market position and the broader investment case for the region. MidEuropa’s sale of Profi to Ahold Delhaize is the largest grocery deal ever in continental Europe involving private equity. Furthermore, the deal made regional history as the largest grocery deal ever in Central and Eastern Europe.
Gaëtan Pacton
CEO - Profi
"Our management team closely collaborated with MidEuropa during their ownership, driving the focus on enhancing our customer proposition and brand development. Their unwavering support, strategic guidance, and collaborative approach were invaluable in realising Profi's ambitious growth strategy and identifying Ahold Delhaize as an exceptional partner for the next phase of our development."
1,200+
stores added since aquisition
3.5x
sales growth during ownership
>2.5mn
Profi digital app users
Key achievements
Built one of the largest supermarket chains in Romania by number of stores
Expanded the network by more than 1,200 stores during ownership
Delivered strong sales growth, increasing revenues by over 3.5x
Successfully launched a new store concept to accelerate post‑Covid growth
Implemented digital transformation initiatives, including a mobile shopping app with >2.5 million
Funding history
Acquired by MidEuropa in 2017 as a platform investment in the consumer sector
Supported through operational expertise, leadership appointments, and capital investment
Successfully exited to Ahold Delhaize at an enterprise value of c.€1.3 billion pre-IFRS 16
Employment impact
Rapid workforce expansion driven by accelerated store rollout, with the network growing by 1,200+ stores (c. 3.6x increase), and establishing a nationwide retail footprint supporting local employment across Romania.
Scaled the Partner Programme, enabling individuals to operate their own stores with limited risk and strong operational support; ~80% of stores were partner‑owned at exit, fostering entrepreneurship and local ownership.
Strong commitment to local sourcing, with ~80% of products produced in Romania, improving access to fresh, affordable food while supporting local producers and jobs across the value chain.
Investors
