Qivive successfully advises Snipes on collective law structuring in France

At the beginning of 2025, Cologne-based streetwear retailer Snipes acquired 15 stores belonging to French sneaker chain Courir, including around 160 employees.

Following the takeover, the collective labour law status (including works agreements) of both structures had to be harmonised. This was achieved through a so-called replacement works agreement (‘accord collectif de substitution’).

With the support of Qivive through Emilie Vienne and Julie Spinola, the French managing director of Snipes, Joachim Ramond, and his HR team succeeded in negotiating a comprehensive works agreement with the employee representatives, which included working time arrangements, a new remuneration structure, holiday policy and compulsory company insurance.

This works agreement was approved by the French trade unions involved and signed unanimously by all parties. The vast majority of the workforce also agreed: with a participation rate of just under 80%, 84% of employees approved the replacement works agreement.

A great end result for this extensive project!