In the 80s

The sixties and seventies were decades that enjoyed strong expansion which needed to be financed. In 1981, the Toulemonde family sold 50% of the 3 Suisses International Group capital to OTTO, 45% to the Mulliez Family Partnership and 5% to Soparsuis, a partnership of 3 Suisses International Group executives.

The eighties were characterized by a crisis in the knitting yarn industry, which forced the 3 Suisses International Group to cease its activity in this area in Belgium, Germany and Austria and sell the Espierre spinning mill in 1991.

From then on, the 3 Suisses International Group pursued its development in distance selling only, either by creating or buying new activities.

The Clothing Division was reinforced through the acquisition of Blanche Porte, VPC Promotion (Senior & Cie) and Becquet.

New activities were created

• Consumer credit, with the establishment of Cofidis in a partnership with Cetelem.
• Cosmetics, with the creation of «Le Club des Créateurs de Beauté" in a 50/50 joint venture with L’Oréal
• Banking products with the establishment of Banque Covefi

Expansion into Southern Europe.