A major bedding manufacturer has been placed in receivership by the Economic Activities Court of Lyon on 26 February 2025. The ruling also affects its sister company, which operates a nationwide retail network. The decision follows severe financial difficulties linked to rising costs and declining consumer purchasing power.
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GFL, known as "Générale Française de Literie," produces mattresses and bed bases in Neuville-sur-Sarthe and supplies the Maliterie brand. The company was acquired in mid-2024 by the Steel group, led by Stéphane Comptour, after a merger in November 2023. Comptour had sought to revitalise the brand with new product ranges, IT integration, a modernised website, and a refreshed graphic identity.
However, the company faced mounting financial pressure in 2024, with significant drops in turnover across Maliterie stores. Comptour cited increasing electricity prices, higher rents, inflation, and reduced consumer spending as key challenges. The loss of credit insurance forced the company to pay suppliers in cash, leading to a suspension of payments and the need to file for receivership.
During the six-month receivership period, court-appointed administrators will oversee operations, freeze debts, and develop a recovery plan. Comptour stressed that while the factory is 'operating at a slow pace,' it remains open and 'all customer orders will be honoured.' His main objective is to 'preserve as many jobs as possible.'
Source: www.meuble-info.fr