The Eiffage group said on Thursday that it was interested in buying Equans, the new entity recently created by Engie with a view to splitting up its technical services activities.
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"We confirm our interest in this file, which we are studying on our own,"
the French construction giant told AFP.
In addition to the construction and real estate businesses, Eiffage also has an energy-systems activity which could be strengthened by this takeover.
Engie launched its new entity at the end of June, in order to bring out of its fold this structure which brings together the majority of its technical service activities, covering many trades (air conditioning, heating and ventilation, electricity, digital, mechanics, general services ... .).
With 74,000 employees, the structure represents a turnover of nearly 12 billion euros, according to Engie.
Leaving the bosom of the energy company
Equans, which has been operating as an autonomous entity within Engie since July 1, aims to leave the bosom of the energy company, which wishes to refocus on renewable energies and infrastructure.
"We have not yet decided whether we will sell to a strategic (group) or strategic (groups), or to a fund, or funds, or even to market the entity"
, had indicated the general manager. by Engie Catherine MacGregor during a hearing at the National Assembly at the end of June.
She had also specified to the press that she had received
"a fairly marked interest from potential buyers"
.
Without giving a detailed timetable for this multibillion-euro operation.