Decathlon to Pay €1 Billion in Dividends to Mulliez Family

The decision follows financial struggles at other Mulliez-owned businesses, while unions criticize the lack of wage increases for employees.

Decathlon will distribute €1 billion in dividends to its owner, the Mulliez Family Association (AFM), for the 2024 fiscal year.
The decision was announced during annual wage negotiations, where unions expressed frustration over the lack of collective salary increases or improved benefits for employees.
AFM also owns Auchan, which recently announced significant job cuts affecting 2,389 positions and plans to close multiple stores and warehouses.
Decathlon's management defended the dividend payout, stating it comes from accumulated reserves and benefits all shareholders, including 60,000 employees.
Unions are calling for a parliamentary investigation into how public funds have been used by Mulliez-owned businesses, citing concerns over financial priorities.