European Camping Group (ECG) has expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of two premium campsites in France, reinforcing its position in the mobile-home holiday sector. 

The company has finalized deals for La Croix du Vieux Pont, a five-star site with 660 pitches in Berny Rivière, and La Chapelle, a four-star site with 600 pitches in Argelès-Plage. These acquisitions align with ECG’s strategy of strengthening its presence in key European markets.

CEO Alain Calmé emphasized the strategic importance of the newly acquired properties, noting their strong reputations and international appeal. 

“We are particularly proud of these two additions to our campsite portfolio. Both premium sites are renowned within the industry for their excellent facilities and their true international potential. I am convinced that our group brand names will further enhance and extend the outreach of these campsites,” said Calmé in a press release. 

He also confirmed that ECG is in the final stages of negotiations for additional acquisitions ahead of the 2019 season.

ECG’s approach signals a continued push for consolidation in the European outdoor hospitality sector, a trend that presents both opportunities and challenges for independent operators. 

The company’s financial strategy supports a pace of four to six acquisitions per year, according to CFO Philippe de Trémiolles. 

“These two transactions are perfectly in line with our development strategy, as we have the financial capacity to complete 4–6 similar deals each year,” he stated.

For independent campsite owners, ECG’s acquisition model highlights the growing role of large-scale operators in shaping the future of the industry. Sellers, such as Philippe Lefevre, founder of La Croix du Vieux Pont, see potential in the transition. 

“Our discussions were intense, but based on a sense of mutual trust built up through many years of partnerships with Eurocamp and the ECG brands,” Lefevre said. 

Laurent Raspaud, founder of La Chapelle, echoed similar sentiments, noting that while transferring ownership is a significant decision, he believes ECG will integrate the existing teams smoothly and continue the site’s development.

As consolidation trends continue, industry professionals may find new opportunities in strategic partnerships, whether through acquisitions or collaborations.

ECG’s latest deals signal the increasing competition among large groups for premium locations, underscoring the evolving landscape of outdoor hospitality in Europe.