Founded in 1962, the ISB Group was acquired in 2015 by its management team from British group WOLSELEY. Today, it is the French leader in wood processing (planing, cut-to-length, packing, etc.) and value-added trading.
The Group has been providing timber products and solutions for home improvements, renovation and construction for nearly 60 years via its three national brands:
- SINBPLA: French leader in softwood and sheet materials trading
- SILVERWOOD: leader in planed wood products and structures for professional distribution
- CARIB: Specialist in machined timber products for DIY/hardware stores
- WOOD 710: a service brand specialising in the renovation and maintenance of cladding and aimed at private customers, public entities properties and property managers
By sourcing its products mainly in the northern countries and having five production sites at the national level, the group has traders, manufacturers and DIY store players as customers.
The ISB Group employs 470 people and generated revenue of around €230 million in 2018.
The transaction consists of a minority stake acquisition (38.5%) by the Swedish SCA group of the ISB Group via a contribution of the assets of SCA WOOD FRANCE and a share buyback.
Ultimately ISB Group and SCA WOOD FRANCE aim to maintain their leadership in the wood products and solutions market in France.
"With SCA, we share the same values and we are convinced that wood will play a major role in the construction and interior design of tomorrow. This strategic alliance will enable the ISB Group to speed up its development on the design, production and distribution of innovative solutions for housing and industry. We look forward to working with SCA to enhance the development potential of this high-performing company".
Pierre GAUTRON, Chairman of ISB GROUP
"This merger will create a real European player, very locally based, with the strength of the Swedish SCA group," says Marc Meunier, Managing Director of the ISB Group. Our shared expertise will enable us to respond more broadly to customer expectations with a broader offering and synergies that will make us stronger and more effective in achieving our growth strategy together" -
Marc MEUNIER, Managing Director in charge of ISB GROUP support and M&A functions
"Since the acquisition of the Wolseley group, Management has carried out a excellent development and restoration of profitability. This success was achieved by maintaining the group's commitment to protecting the environment and respecting wood resources. The merger with SCA is an illustration of the perfect deal in which each party wins: ISB Group benefits from the support of a large group, and SCA benefits from a leading position in France" -
Guillaume DARY, Partner of ADVISO PARTNERS
