French frozen food retailer Picard has entered the Belgian market with the opening of its first store in Waterloo.

As part of a joint venture with local partners, Picard is expected to open further shops in the country in coming weeks. The retailer is reportedly now considering the takeover of stores operated by Belgian rival chain O’Cool, which has 107 shops under recovery proceedings at present.

Separately, Picard plans to open about 70 stores in the country.