The Belgian government will analyse potentially problematic clauses in Delhaize and Intermarché franchise contracts, and act upon the findings if necessary.
Ensure balanced relations
128 Delhaize stores and 51 Intermarché by Mestdagh shops are to be sold to independent entrepreneurs, which is causing considerable unrest in the food retail sector. Branch organisations for the self-employed, like Unizo and UCM, are concerned about what they consider to be unbalanced franchise contracts presented to the buyers of these shops. Last summer, some Delhaize entrepreneurs had already protested against the revised contracts, which impose stricter ground rules on product range and pricing.
Yesterday, they had a meeting about this with Minister of the Self-Employed David Clarinval (MR) and Minister of Economy and Labour Pierre-Yves Dermagne (PS). Both ministers say they want to ensure balanced commercial relations and practices in the sector. Clarinval will analyse contracts, and if certain clauses or practices are found to be unfair, promises he will take action.
