2023-12-13 19:16:32
The white smoke has finally come out at Lucernaire. After several months of negotiations, Editions de l’Harmattan – owner of this Parisian cultural venue (6th arrondissement) since 2004 – finally decided to sell it to the Adhema investment fund, which is headed by actor Maxence Gaillard. The deed of sale of the premises and the business should be signed in mid-February for an amount estimated “between 7 and 9 million euros”, according to several sources.
A choice welcomed as “a relief” by the team which has around forty employees. “We could hardly hope for a better buyer,” rejoices Benoît Lavigne, the director of the place since 2015, who will retain this position after the change of ownership. “There were fears about other projects,” he recalls. But this corresponds to the DNA of Lucernaire and what we want for its future. »
“There is a desire to perpetuate what has been done”
Last summer, the announcement of the sale of this national arthouse center – which brings together a theater, a cinema, a bookstore, a restaurant, a drama school and an exhibition gallery – had raised concerns in the Parisian cultural world. Several players in the field had called “to preserve this fragile place of creation and meetings” which welcomes around 300,000 spectators each year.
Since then, the announcement of the name of the buyer has been pending. “Two or three offers” were in competition. The choice of editions of Harmattan – which was initially to be announced during the summer – has only finally been revealed. “We took the necessary time to think about building the project and doing things well,” says Xavier Pryen, the general director of this group. It was the best offer that won, especially in relation to the future of Lucernaire. There is a desire to perpetuate what has been done and to move forward on the few projects that were underway. »
According to him, all positions should be retained. “It’s a happy ending,” he continues. We will now be able to refocus on the book professions. » The new owner will not land in unknown lands. Maxence Gaillard, actor and producer, has already performed several shows at Lucernaire, such as Le Roi des Pâquerettes in 2021.
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