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Arc Glassmaker Down to Single Takeover Bid as Unions Warn of Up to 1,000 Job Cuts

The Lille commercial court rules on March 10 after Patrick Puy withdrew, leaving Timothée Durand as the only declared bidder.

Overview

  • Union officials said only one offer was filed before the February 17 deadline, confirming Timothée Durand as the sole suitor.
  • Durand’s plan would retain 2,700 of roughly 3,500 jobs at the Arques site and includes 300 compulsory layoffs plus 400 early retirements and 100 voluntary departures.
  • Union representatives said an additional 200 temporary contracts would end, bringing potential reductions to around 1,000 positions.
  • Arc and regional leader Xavier Bertrand have described Durand’s proposal as serious, while a last‑minute approach attributed to Giglio Mazzoli was reported but not treated as a formal competing bid.
  • Arc has been in court‑supervised restructuring since January 7, employs about 5,700 people worldwide, and received a €30 million state loan last year.