The procedure for disposing of the general shop provided for in the third paragraph of article L. 522-39 shall be initiated within three months of the decision by the Prefect to permanently withdraw approval. The property may be sold either by auction or out of court. However, it may not be carried out by amicable agreement when the turnover achieved in the general shop during the previous financial year exceeds a sum set by the Minister responsible for industry.
Only those persons authorised by the prefect may take part in the auction or acquire the establishment by mutual agreement.