diff --git a/qgis_deployment_toolbelt/profiles/profiles_handler_base.py b/qgis_deployment_toolbelt/profiles/profiles_handler_base.py
index 6a19b9fa..a8c0a5b0 100644
--- a/qgis_deployment_toolbelt/profiles/profiles_handler_base.py
+++ b/qgis_deployment_toolbelt/profiles/profiles_handler_base.py
@@ -374,7 +374,7 @@ def download(self, destination_local_path: Path) -> Repo:
         if isinstance(local_git_repository, Repo):
             self.DESTINATION_BRANCH_TO_USE = porcelain.active_branch(
                 local_git_repository
-            )
+            ).decode()
 
         return local_git_repository