BIGNON LEBRAY continues to assist Fedrus group in its international development

In 2017, Bignon Lebray advised the Belgian group Fedrus International in three structuring operations for its international development: the acquisition of Laude Group, the acquisition of Umicore Group’s Building Products business line and finally the acquisition of roofing and façade activities of Defrancq in France.

Fedrus International specializes in the distribution of roofing and facade materials. The independent Belgian group has a turnover of around 650 million euros and employs more than 1,550 people.

Acquisition of the Laude Group

After conducting the audit, Bignon Lebray advised Fedrus International in regard to its acquisition of Toulouse-based Laude group, which specializes in the sale of waterproofing and insulation materials. This transaction will enable Fedrus International to accelerate its growth in France and in particular strengthen its network of “one-stop-shops” in roofing and facade on the French territory.

Counsels of the purchaser: Bignon Lebray (Alexandre Ghesquière, lawyer and partner) and Eubelius (Filip Jenné, lawyer and partner)

Counsels for the purchaser’s financial due diligence: Orfis Baker Tilly (Benoit Nowaczyk)Counsels of the seller: Hogan Lovells (Stéphane Huten, Arnaud Deparday)

Financial advisers of the seller: Capitalmind (Jean-Arthur Dattée, Christopher Martin)

Acquisition of the Business Unit of Umicore Group’s Building Products

After conducting the audit, Bignon Lebray advised Fedrus International in regard to its acquisition of the Building Products unit of Umicore Group, known as VMZINC.

Umicore specializes in materials technology and recycling. VMZINC is the leading manufacturer and supplier of zinc products for the construction industry in Europe, North America and Australia, as well as in several Asian countries.

Counsels of the purchaser: Bignon Lebray (Alexandre Ghesquière, lawyer and partner, Kevin Polyn, lawyer) and Eubelius (Filip Jenné, Matthias Wautters, lawyers and partners)

Counsels of the seller: Allen & Overy

Acquisition by Apok SA of the roofing and facade activities of Defrancq in France

Lastly, and more recently, Bignon Lebray once again advised Fedrus International in regard to the acquisition of Defrancq’s roofing and façade activities in France by Apok SA, after carrying out the audit.

Apok SA is one of the commercial entities of Fedrus International that distributes roofing and facade materials to professional roofers and contractors.

Counsels of the purchaser: Bignon Lebray (Alexandre Ghesquière, lawyer and partner, Kevin Polyn, lawyer) and Eubelius (Filip Jenné, lawyer and partner, Fréderic Van Campe, lawyer)

Counsel of the manager: Maître Pinguet

Counsel of the seller: Uniqum (Nathalie Blauwblomme)