France seeks buyer for ‘60 millions de consommateurs’ after institute liquidation

Sunday 29 March 2026 - 08:18

The French government has launched a search for a buyer for the well-known consumer magazine 60 Millions de consommateurs following the official liquidation of its parent body, the Institut national de la consommation (INC).

A decree published in the official journal on Sunday formalized the liquidation process after the dissolution of the INC, as предусмотрено in the 2026 finance law. Authorities cited the institution’s deteriorating financial situation as the main reason behind the decision, which includes the potential transfer of the magazine to a private operator.

Under the decree issued by the Ministry of Commerce, a liquidator will be appointed for a nine-month period starting March 31, 2026. The liquidator’s mission will be to ensure the continuity of the magazine’s publishing activity while seeking a private buyer capable of taking over operations.

The government has set an initial three-month deadline to find a buyer, although this period may be extended if necessary. If no viable offer emerges, the liquidator will be responsible for shutting down the publication, with its assets potentially sold separately as part of the liquidation process.

The closure of the INC is expected to result in the loss of around 60 jobs, marking a significant social impact within the organization. The institute, founded in 1966 and granted public industrial and commercial status in 1990, has long played a key role in informing and protecting consumers in France.

The decision has sparked criticism from various quarters. In December, journalists, elected officials, and researchers voiced strong opposition in a joint opinion piece published in Le Monde, warning against what they described as the dismantling of a trusted public-interest publication.

According to government estimates, the liquidation process could cost around €8 million. Labor unions, including the SNME-CFDT, have raised concerns over both the financial implications and the broader consequences for independent consumer information.

As the process unfolds, the future of 60 Millions de consommateurs remains uncertain, with its potential privatization raising questions about editorial independence, public service missions, and the sustainability of consumer-focused journalism in France.