Bouygues Construction and Colas to acquire InTec and the Kraftanlagen Group
Alpiq is splitting off the industrial business, creating added value for the Group and thus strengthening its core business. In connection with this, Alpiq has signed an agreement with Bouygues Construction, based in Guyancourt (France), on the sale of the Engineering Services business, which comprises InTec and the Kraftanlagen Group, for CHF 850 million. Closing is expected in the second half of 2018. The sale is subject to customary conditions including the approval by the relevant antitrust authorities in the EU and Switzerland.
There are two main reasons for the transaction: firstly, the challenging situation of Swiss production on the free market means that Alpiq currently does not have the funds to enhance the Engineering Services business and thus to strengthen its number one position in various markets. Alpiq is therefore no longer the right owner for the Engineering Services business with its operations in the industrial market. Secondly, the transaction allows Alpiq to create added value for the Group and thus strengthens its core business.
Engineering Services business in industrial hands in the future
“With Bouygues Construction as the new owner of InTec and Kraftanlagen Group it is a win-win situation that offers both companies and their employees new business prospects. InTec and the Kraftanlagen Group give the new owner access to committed employees who are dedicated to the needs of their customers on a daily basis and an attractive portfolio of innovative, profitable businesses in growth markets,” Jasmin Staiblin, CEO of Alpiq, stated.
Bouygues Construction can successfully develop the business further, make the necessary investments and tap the existing potential. These are the ideal prerequisites for InTec and the Kraftanlagen Group to be able to capitalise on their leading positions under a new umbrella structure. The transaction opens up new prospects for 7,650 employees (4,000 employees and 420 apprentices of which are in Switzerland).
Alpiq focuses on its core business
This divestment allows Alpiq to focus on its core business, which comprises power production in Switzerland as well as international activities consisting of the flexible, diversified power plant portfolio, the new renewable energies and the strong market presence in energy trading. In addition, Alpiq intends to increase efficiency by making its core business more digital and systematically enhancing its customer portfolio with smart solutions, also outside of Switzerland.
After the Engineering Services transaction is closed, the following divisions will remain at Alpiq: Digital & Commerce (international energy trading, customer business with structured products, customer business with digital solutions), international thermal power production and new renewable energies as well as Generation Switzerland (power production in Switzerland).
Operating through the companies Alpiq Intec AG, Kraftanlagen München GmbH, Alpiq Engineering Services specialises in hard and soft services in construction and in energy, industrial and transport infrastructures. It employs around 7,650 people, and it reported sales of approximately 1.7 billion Swiss francs in 2017, chiefly generated in Switzerland (57%), Germany (24%) and Italy (12%). This acquisition positions Bouygues Construction as a leading player in energy and services in Europe and is therefore fully in line with its development strategy for this growth market. Through this operation, Bouygues Construction will strengthen its roots in Switzerland in businesses that closely complement those of its subsidiaries, Bouygues Energies & Services Switzerland, Losinger Marazzi, VSL and PraderLosinger. Meanwhile, the acknowledged know-how of Alpiq Engineering Services will also enable Bouygues Construction to expand its portfolio of offers, particularly for carrying out complex projects in industry and energy production. Last but not least, Alpiq Engineering Services will offer an opportunity for entering major new European markets, particularly in Germany and Italy.
“Alpiq Engineering Services and Bouygues Construction share the same values and the same culture of innovation and operational excellence. Above all, it’s the quality and the day-to-day commitment of the men and women of our company that ensure our successes. Through the combination of our skills and the complementary nature of our businesses, this acquisition establishes Bouygues Construction as a benchmark player in energy and services in Europe,” Philippe Bonnave, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bouygues Construction, said.
At the same time, Colas Rail’s acquisition of Alpiq Engineering Services’ rail activities will strengthen its expertise in the field of catenaries, a high-value-added business, and give it access to new growth markets.
“This acquisition will enable Colas Rail to develop in the Swiss and Italian markets in particular, and to strengthen its presence in Central Europe and the United Kingdom. Alpiq’s recognized expertise in railway power supply will supplement Colas Rail’s portfolio of solutions and know-how, and will strengthen its leadership as a leading player in the rail sector,” Hervé Le Bouc, Chairman and Chief Executive of Colas, mentioned.
Terms of the operation
This acquisition will take place on the basis of an enterprise value of 850 million Swiss francs (700 million Swiss francs for Bouygues Construction and 150 million Swiss francs for Colas Rail). The closing of the operation is scheduled for the second half of 2018, subject to the approval of the European and Swiss competition authorities. The price paid at the closing for the acquisition of all shares will be paid in cash.
About Bouygues Construction in Switzerland
For around 25 years, Bouygues Construction has been a leading player in construction and services on the Swiss market, primarily through two companies.
Losinger Marazzi specialises in the development and construction of high value-added projects. Bouygues Construction’s Swiss subsidiary has acknowledged know-how in mixed-use operations, which include offices, retail units, housing and other businesses. Sustainable construction is at the heart of Losinger Marazzi’s strategy. It is currently building several eco-neighbourhoods (Greencity in Zurich, Quai Vernets in Geneva and Eglantine in Morges). It is also responsible for the construction of technically complex buildings, such as the Rolex Learning Center at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne and the Jan Michalski Foundation for Writing and Literature in Montricher.
Major figures: 6 regional branches (Geneva, Vaud, Bern, Lucerne, Zurich, Basle); over 800 employees; 800 million Swiss francs of annual orders.
Bouygues Energies & Services is one of the leading players on the Swiss property and facilities management markets. It manages approximately 4 millions square metres of facilities throughout Switzerland. In particular, it is responsible for managing essential sites for customers who are leaders in the finance sector and in industry.
Major figures: 8 regional branches (Zurich, Zug, Basle, Bern, St Gall, Geneva, Lugano, Lausanne); approximately 1,500 employees; 150 million Swiss francs of annual sales.
Other subsidiaries of Bouygues Construction also operate in Switzerland, such as PraderLosinger in the public works sector.
In addition, the head office and R&D teams of VSL, the Group subsidiary specialising in post-tensioning systems, are located in Switzerland.
About Colas Rail
Colas Rail, the rail subsidiary of the Colas Group, is involved in designing, financing, operating and contracting major transport infrastructure (railways, catenaries, signalling, ventilation, smoke extraction, instrumentation and control, freight, etc.) in France, the rest of Europe and a number of other countries, through project-based operations and numerous speciality businesses.
With 11 distinct businesses, Colas Rail employs 5,300 people in 22 locations around the world. It generated consolidated revenue of EUR 948 million in 2017.
About Bouygues Construction
Bouygues Construction is a global player in construction, with operations in more than 80 countries. It designs, builds and operates projects in the sectors of building, infrastructure and industry. As a responsible and committed leader in sustainable construction, Bouygues Construction sees innovation as its primary source of added value: this is ‘shared innovation’ that benefits its customers at the same time as improving its productivity and the working conditions of its 47,350 employees. In 2017 Bouygues Construction generated sales of EUR 11.7 billion.
Colas, a subsidiary of the Bouygues Group, is a world leader aiming to promote transport infrastructure solutions for sustainable mobility. With 55,000 employees in more than 50 countries on five continents, the Group performs some 80,000 road construction and maintenance projects each year. In 2017, consolidated revenue at Colas totalled EUR 11.7 billion (48% outside of France). Net profit attributable to the Group amounted to EUR 328 million.
