Spanish supermarket chain DIA looks to sell Argentine business

The Spanish retailer DIA has launched a process to divest its Argentine operations. The company hired Banco Santander to identify potential buyers and is also considering a strategic partner that could provide capital and help run the business.

DIA’s Argentine arm, which operates more than 1,000 stores across Buenos Aires and several provinces and employs roughly 7,700 people, closed 34 loss‑making outlets in 2025 as part of a restructuring aimed at improving profitability. The unit recorded a net loss of €51.3 million for 2025, a sharp decline from the €12.7 million loss in the previous year, and its gross sales fell 15.1% year‑on‑year to €1.51 billion.

The company declined to comment on market rumours, stating it does not comment on speculation. The potential sale occurs amid a broader downturn in Argentine supermarket sales, which fell 2.8% in the first five months of 2026.