The story of Groupement Les Mousquetaires begins in 1969, born from a schism and a bold vision. When Jean-Pierre Le Roch and a group of 92 independent retailers departed from the E.Leclerc association, they weren't just leaving a brand; they were setting out to build a new one from the ground up. They established their own network, initially named 'Ex, Offices de distribution'. This was more than just a name change; it was the declaration of a new philosophy in retail, one founded on the principles of independence, solidarity, and a shared entrepreneurial spirit. The fledgling group quickly found its footing, and in 1973, a pivotal moment arrived when the American oil giant Exxon sought to acquire names starting with 'EX'. This prompted a rebrand, and 'Intermarché' was born, an identity that would become synonymous with value and proximity for French consumers.
From these foundational steps, the Groupement embarked on a remarkable journey of diversification and expansion, transforming from a food retailer into a multi-faceted European powerhouse. The 1970s and 80s saw the strategic extension into new sectors. Recognizing the need to control their supply chain and offer competitive prices, they established their own food production subsidiary, Agromousquetaires, and a logistics arm. This vertical integration became a cornerstone of their success. The Group's portfolio of brands grew steadily, each designed to meet a specific consumer need: Bricomarché for home improvement, Roady for automotive services, and Netto for discount food retail. This expansion wasn't confined to France. Les Mousquetaires planted its flag in Portugal, Belgium, and Poland, adapting its model to new markets while retaining its core identity as a collective of independent entrepreneurs. Today, with thousands of points of sale across Europe and over 150,000 collaborators, the Groupement Les Mousquetaires stands as a testament to the enduring power of its founding vision—a collective of 'Musketeers' united in their commitment to serving their communities and shaping the future of retail.