The situation of the Alès slaughterhouse, placed in receivership, is evolving: here is what we know…

The observation period of the Alès slaughterhouse in northern Gard is still running. MIDI LIBRE – ALEXIS BETHUNE

The observation period of the judicial recovery of the Société d'économie mixte des abattoirs Alès-Cévennes (Semaac) has returned to the table of the commercial judges in Nîmes. It must be noted that the future of the establishment is very uncertain. Explanations.

On September 3, the magistrates of the commercial court of Nîmes ruled on the future of the slaughterhouse of Alès, in the Gard. The decision, which was reserved for consideration, was delivered on Tuesday, September 17. In its judgment, the commercial court renewed the observation period for the receivership of the company managing the Alès slaughterhouse until March 23, 2025. If the court authorizes the Société d'économie mixte des abattoirs Alès-Cévennes (Semaac) to continue its activities until that date, observers are not very optimistic about the future of events.

Work is to be expected

This is evidenced by the announcement already published by the legal representative in charge of the case, which includes the transfer of a slaughterhouse activity. The legal representative is looking for a buyer. The health approval of the establishment is valid until 2026, but work is expected. The deadline for submitting offers is set for October 21, in just one month.

What are the two options currently being considered??

Two options are possible: in the absence of a buyer, the liquidation could take place at the beginning of next year. If there are proposals, they will be analyzed. The buyer will be designated by the magistrates of the commercial court, on the advice of the liquidator and the public prosecutor. It is only at this stage of the procedure, once the judgment has been rendered and the appeal deadlines have expired, that the takeover acts will be validated. The legal representatives of the company, Max Roustan, the mayor of Alès, the Joassan brothers, meat wholesalers, and Patrick Gravil, a breeder, are summoned to court in January 2025 to present a takeover plan or, failing that, compulsory liquidation.

And now, whose fault is it??

In this case, all the stakeholders tend to pass the buck and seek responsibility among the partners. The town hall believes that the target of 3,500 tonnes of meat slaughtered per year was achievable as long as everyone pulled in the same direction. "Alès viande did not keep its commitments, nor did the buyer Saveurs des Cévennes." The targeted company responds: "We are being made a scapegoat. But what about the large retailers who do not work with the slaughterhouse ?" The Department, the Chamber of Agriculture, and even the Region are also the target of recriminations. For small livestock producers, it is uncertainty. "Solutions are being studied to have the animals killed elsewhere", assures Boris Martinez, head of Saveurs des Cévennes.

Despite the declarations of intent of the many partners and local authorities, the Alès town hall seems very much alone in this matter. The proposal for a new slaughterhouse, shared on paper by many stakeholders, never gave rise to more in-depth negotiations.

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