Bouygues Construction and Colas announce the acquisition of Alpiq Engineering Services, a leading Swiss player in the energy, industrial services and rail infrastructure sectors

Bouygues Construction and Colas Rail, the rail subsidiary of the Colas Group, have been chosen by the Alpiq Group for the acquisition of Alpiq Engineering Services. 

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. 

Philippe Bonnave, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bouygues Construction, said: “Alpiq Engineering Services et 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.” 

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. 

Hervé Le Bouc, Chairman and Chief Executive of Colas, said: “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.” 

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.