A large financial and industrial group wanted to analyse and put into perspective the future of building distribution in France, as part of its considerations on development of its business over the medium term.

It then wanted, from these findings, to decide on an external growth strategy and identify opportunities to acquire independent local or regional distributors.

On the basis of the expertise of DEVELOPPEMENT CONSTRUCTION's consultants in the building sector distribution field, discussions were first held in cooperation with the client in order to assist in drafting development targets.

The remit was then directed towards an initial task of pinpointing 400 companies fitting the various business and location criteria.

In a second phase, a strategic analysis was conducted in greater depth covering about 50 local distributors and 10 independents regional groups (location, business, organisation, financial position, strategic value, etc.).

The results obtained

By means of this work, the client was provided with an information and targeting tool enabling it to pursue its external growth strategy, with as its cornerstone, the acquisition of several companies.