Bigben Interactive Sells Subsidiary Connected to Modelabs as Part of Restructuring
Bigben Interactive announced on July 21 the signing of a sale agreement for its entire subsidiary, Bigben Connected, to Modelabs. This transaction, subject to the approval of the French Competition Authority and the validation of a conciliation agreement, is part of the financial restructuring process initiated by the group in March 2026.
Sale of Bigben Connected to Modelabs Signed with Suspensive Conditions
Bigben Interactive has signed a contract for the sale of all capital and voting rights of its subsidiary Bigben Connected to Modelabs, a French distributor of mobility products. Based in Lesquin, Bigben Connected designs and markets mobile accessories under the Force brand, as well as connected devices. Modelabs operates in the distribution of mobile terminals. The two companies cover complementary segments of the mobile sector's value chain in France.
The transaction remains subject to two suspensive conditions: obtaining authorization from the French Competition Authority and the validation of a conciliation agreement by the Lille Métropole Commercial Court, or, failing that, the adoption of an accelerated safeguard plan if the company enters into safeguard proceedings. The lifting of the suspensive conditions is expected in autumn 2026, with the final completion of the sale to follow thereafter.
Price to Be Determined at Closing, Insufficient to Cover Debt
The sale price will be definitively set at the time of the transaction's completion, based particularly on the equity of Bigben Connected at that date. Bigben Interactive specifies that this price will not cover the entirety of its financial debt and financing needs, estimated at approximately €68 million (excluding bank guarantees). The company continues negotiations with its creditors within the framework of the ongoing conciliation procedure, which is due to expire on August 4, 2026.
The social and economic committee of Bigben Connected has issued a favorable opinion on the sale. The Board of Directors of Bigben Interactive has authorized the conclusion of the transaction unanimously, considering in particular that Modelabs would not significantly reduce the workforce of Bigben Connected and that the complementarity of the two activities serves the interests of the company, its employees, and its shareholders.
Financial Restructuring of the Group Since March 2026
This sale is part of a comprehensive review of strategic options initiated as part of the conciliation procedure opened in favor of Bigben Interactive by the judgment of the Lille Métropole Commercial Court on March 4, 2026. The group is undergoing a restructuring phase aimed at strengthening its financial structure while continuing discussions with its financial creditors. Bigben Interactive employs over 1,300 staff and has 31 subsidiaries and a distribution network in more than 100 countries.
