Hess acquires Grand Est Automobiles

The Hess group is acquiring Grand Est Automobiles, according to a report published on October 20, 2026, by the French Competition Authority, which is currently reviewing the case to approve the deal.

Grand Est Automobiles' operations and performance

Grand Est Automobiles, led by Franck Viallet, operates in the Bas-Rhin (67) and Haut-Rhin (68) departments. The distribution group manages 48 dealerships for two manufacturers, Stellantis and Volkswagen. In 2025, it recorded 12,835 vehicle registrations, a decline of 11 percent, with used vehicle sales dropping 11.5 percent to 10,445 units.

Hess expands its market position

Hess would join Volkswagen, and the acquisition would strengthen the position of the 13th-largest national operator. Ranked 32nd in the 2025 Top 100, Grand Est Automobiles will enhance Hess’s presence in the region. Hess, which operates across a broader regional area, recorded 28,000 new and used vehicle sales in 2025. It is active in all departments of the Grand Est region except the Aube (10) and the Vosges (80).

Strategic alignment with major manufacturers

From a strategic perspective, the Hess group is strengthening its relationship with Stellantis, from which it already distributes Peugeot and Opel, as well as Italian brands. The acquisition also marks Hess’s entry into Volkswagen’s operations, a sector previously unfamiliar to the group.