Rakuten France has been seeking a buyer for its e-commerce platform since April. Two binding offers were received from e-retailer Pixmania and a foreign investment fund. According to management, both bids were rejected as they did not meet the established criteria regarding job preservation, financial terms, and the ability to ensure the long-term viability of the business.
Despite the group's efforts to sell the business, discussions with potential buyers have not resulted in a sustainable solution, the company's French subsidiary states.
The decision is due to decreased activity and increased competition from Asian platforms. According to management, the number of customers on the platform has decreased by 33 percent over ten years, and traffic has decreased by 42 percent during the same period.
Transition Period During 2026
The announcement means that approximately 180 employees will lose their jobs. The company states that a support package for those affected has been developed and approved by the trade union representatives, but is awaiting formal approval from the relevant authorities. The closure at the end of 2026 will be preceded by a transition period to allow sellers and buyers to adapt.
The decision comes relatively shortly after the company attempted expansion. As recently as autumn 2025, the marketplace was rolled out in Spain, and during the same year, new services aimed at brands wanting to establish direct sales were launched. Both the French and Spanish e-commerce operations, which share a structure, are now being shut down.
Rakuten acquired PriceMinister in 2010. The group states that it will continue to operate in France and the rest of Europe through other business areas. These include services such as Rakuten TV, Rakuten Kobo, the communication app Viber, and a technology development center in Paris.