Intell, the company managing the Filigranes bookshop chain, requested judicial oversight for a transfer procedure on 17 September. Today (Thursday 26 September), unions representing the group's workers called for the company to be included in discussions on a possible takeover.
In a joint statement, Filigranes workers criticised "the poor management [...] of the bookshops over many years." They lamented restructuring plans implemented since 2023, which they claim led to "a drastic reduction of stock and numerous redundancies." This contributed to "a deterioration of the work environment and a decline in the quality of service offered to our readers."
Facing the potential closure of Filigranes bookstores in Brussels' city centre, Ixelles and Knokke, the staff called for "a reassessment of management and a reorientation of priorities to put the bookshop back at the service of the people of Brussels."
The workers want to "offer concrete solutions to a future buyer to save Filigranes" and are "ready to share [their] expertise and show our motivation to develop Filigranes 2.0."
Following the request for a transfer procedure at the Brussels French-speaking Commercial Court, Intell is now seeking new owners. Applications from potential buyers will be presented to the court within a maximum period of four months.
The company has undergone two restructuring plans and significant management changes in the past 18 months. In 2022, 48 Filigranes employees signed a collective complaint requesting a psychosocial intervention, citing harassment and problems concerning well-being at work. The bookshop's founder Marc Filipson stepped aside, and Véronique Croisé has since been appointed Managing Director of Filigranes.
