GIB Group

GIB Group was a multinational financial services group headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. It operated primarily in the retail sector, with significant holdings in both food and non-food retail chains.

The group was originally known as the Innovation department store chain, founded in 1898. Through a series of acquisitions and mergers throughout the 20th century, it expanded its portfolio to encompass a wide range of retail businesses. Notable brands under the GIB Group umbrella included GB supermarkets (Grand Bazar), Brico (DIY stores), Quick restaurants (fast food), and Auto 5 (automotive accessories).

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, GIB Group faced increasing financial difficulties due to factors such as market saturation, increased competition from international retailers, and a complex organizational structure.

The group was ultimately acquired and broken up in 2002. Carrefour took over the GB supermarkets, while other parts of the group were sold to various investors and competitors. The GIB Group name ceased to exist after the breakup.