NorgesGruppen, one of Norway’s leading retail groups, has purchased ten Joker grocery stores following the bankruptcy of Lentusgruppen AS, the company previously operating 35 such outlets. The acquisition, which took place as part of a court-led bankruptcy sale, aims to preserve both retail infrastructure and local employment across Eastern Norway (Østlandet).
Bankruptcy threatens 35 stores, half are now under new ownership
Lentusgruppen AS was officially declared bankrupt in April, after enduring prolonged financial difficulties. Of the 35 affected stores, 20 have been sold to new owners. Ten of these, located in key urban and suburban areas, are now under the management of NG Joker Drift AS, a subsidiary of NorgesGruppen. The remaining ten stores were taken over by independent merchants and local shop owners.
Jobs saved through quick action by bankruptcy estate
The bankruptcy administrator, Erling Opdal, highlighted that saving jobs was the primary objective throughout the sale process. “That has been the estate’s main goal. Now it’s up to the buyers to offer employment to the existing staff,” said Opdal in a statement.
The stores acquired by NorgesGruppen include:
- Joker Bygdøy allé
- Joker Dælenenggata
- Joker Holmenhavna
- Joker Løren
- Joker Nordberg
- Joker Torshov
- Joker Løkenåsen
- Joker Sandaker
- Joker Geitmyrsveien
- Joker Holmlia
These locations represent a mix of residential and high-traffic neighborhoods, reinforcing NorgesGruppen’s commitment to local grocery services and regional stability in the retail sector.
Independent operators take on remaining stores
In addition to NorgesGruppen’s acquisition, ten other stores were sold to local entrepreneurs and smaller retail operators. These include:
- Joker Fagerborg
- Joker Risteigen
- Joker Svinndal
- Joker Folkestad
- Joker Grünerløkka
- Joker Jessheim
- Joker Løkeberg
- Joker Sandvika
- Joker Valkyrien
- Nærbutikken Bjølsen
This diversification in ownership may bring renewed community engagement and potentially innovative business models to the stores.
A strategic move in a competitive grocery market
NorgesGruppen’s timely acquisition not only reflects its market strength but also its role in stabilizing Norway’s grocery landscape amidst economic turbulence. As smaller chains and independent grocers face increasing pressure, such interventions can help sustain competition, employment, and consumer access to essential goods.
The impact of the acquisition will likely unfold in the coming months, as new operators restructure operations and re-integrate staff. However, the preservation of jobs and essential retail access offers a positive outlook for affected communities.
