Crédit Agricole Santé & Territoires, the subsidiary of the French banking group dedicated to the health and well-being sectors, has signed abinding agreement with Clariane to acquire Little sons, French leader in home care services for the elderly. The enterprise value of the operation amounts to 345 million euroa implied equity value estimated at approximately 255 million euros.
The transaction, subject to approval by the French Competition Authority, is expected to close on third quarter of 2025The transaction will not have any significant impact on Crédit Agricole's capital ratios or on the group's CET1.
A key step in the Crédit Agricole group's strategy
Secondo Olivier Gavalda, CEO of Crédit Agricole SA, the acquisition represents a key step in the path of diversification of the group's offering, launched in 2022 with the aim of responding to the growing needs related to health and the aging population.
“The acquisition of Petits-fils constitutes a strategic step which allows us to expand our offering in the elderly care sector, a rapidly expanding and priority area for the group,” said Gavalda.
Crédit Agricole Santé & Territoires has been active in the health and safety sector since 2024.non-medicalized hospitality, and with this operation intends to consolidate its position also in the segment of home maintenance, considered crucial to address the challenges associated with the so-called “bien vieillir”.
Petits-fils: national leader in a rapidly growing sector
Founded as a network of agencies specialized in intermediation between families and home carers, Little sons is today the leading operator in France in the segment of home services for the elderly, with over 292 agencies distributed across the territory and a growth that has proven to be more than double the rest of the market. The company has distinguished itself for the high level of satisfaction from customers, families, partners and franchisees, building its success on values such as quality, trust and attention to the person.
"We are delighted to welcome Petits-fils into our ecosystem. Their model is perfectly in line with the values of our group and with our ambition to create synergies with the territorial roots of Crédit Agricole," commented Pierre Guillocheau, general manager of Crédit Agricole Santé & Territoires.
Profound demographic change
The operation is part of a context of profound demographic change: The French population over 75 is expected to grow by 60% by 2040, and it is estimated that 90% of seniors will continue to live in their own homes, increasing the demand for personalized and localized support services.
For Clariane, known until 2023 as Korian, the sale of Petits-fils is part of the divestment program announced at the end of 2023, aimed at financial rebalancing and to focus on core activities in retirement homes and healthcare facilities.
In addition to the acquisition, Crédit Agricole Santé & Territoires and Clariane intend to launch a national partnership to facilitate theaccess to care and assistance services to vulnerable people and their companions, thus strengthening an integrated support ecosystem in the territory. With this operation, the French cooperative banking institute strengthens its presence in the social and health sector and proposes itself as key player in supporting the aging population, a theme destined to become increasingly central in public policies and corporate strategies over the next decade.
