Zuber Issa’s fast-growing EG On The Move is set to enter the French market, after agreeing to acquire EG Group’s operating business in the country as part of a wider strategic exit by the forecourt giant.
EG Group confirmed it has entered into a put option agreement to divest its French operations to the UK-based convenience and foodservice operator. The deal, which is subject to consultation with employee representative bodies and regulatory approvals, is expected to complete in the second quarter of 2026.
The move marks a significant international expansion for EG On The Move, which has rapidly scaled since its formation in 2024. Issa established the business after selling his 22.5 per cent stake in Asda to TDR Capital and stepping back from executive leadership at EG Group, while retaining a shareholding. He simultaneously acquired EG’s remaining UK forecourt network and selected foodservice operations, consolidating them under the new venture.
Since then, EG On The Move has pursued an aggressive growth strategy centred on convenience retail and roadside foodservice. It strengthened its UK footprint through the acquisition of Applegreen’s UK forecourt estate, adding 98 sites, and has been building partnerships with retailers such as the Co-op to enhance its convenience offer.
For EG Group, the France disposal forms part of a broader programme to streamline its European portfolio and reduce debt. The divestment process began with the sale of its Vitry fuel depot in December 2025 and includes agreements to sell a number of sites, primarily in the Paris metropolitan area, to property developers for alternative use. These transactions are expected to complete over the next 12 months.
Russ Colaco, chief executive of EG Group, said the move reflects a “disciplined approach to portfolio management” as the business refocuses on core growth markets.
“These transactions are a continued demonstration of our commitment to strengthening EG Group's balance sheet through debt reduction,” he said. “By strategically reshaping our European footprint, we are bringing additional focus to our core markets where we have identified the most attractive organic growth opportunities.”
Proceeds from the disposals will be used to repay group debt, as EG continues efforts to deleverage following a period of rapid international expansion.
Over the past year EG Group has embarked on a programme of disposals aimed at focusing on core markets and strengthening its balance sheet. The company sold its Italian business to a consortium of domestic operators for an enterprise value of €425 million and agreed to divest its Australian operations to fuel retailer Ampol.
The France deal signals EG On The Move’s first step beyond the UK and Ireland, positioning the business to export its convenience-led forecourt model into continental Europe.