Verre & Métal and HEFI

Cognos France / Societex, the exclusive adviser on the transaction, announces the completion of the sale of Verre & Métal and HEFI, French companies specialising in the design and construction of architectural steel and glass structures, to the Aurige Group.

Founded in 1921 and based in Bonneuil-sur-Marne (Île-de-France), Verre & Métal designs, manufactures and installs bespoke structures made of steel and glass. Now recognised as a leading player in its sector, Verre & Métal stands out for its expertise in the restoration and renovation of historic buildings (the Grand Palais, the Eiffel Tower, the Opéra Garnier, the Centre Pompidou, etc.).

Founded in 1992 and based in Strasbourg (Grand Est), HEFI specialises in the design and construction of highly technical metalwork, primarily for new-build projects.

With a workforce of over 90 employees and a turnover of around €25 million, the Group enjoys national recognition for the quality of its projects and the excellence of its expertise in the fields of technical glazing and complex bespoke structures.

Aurige is a family-owned group founded in 1944, which has grown by gradually bringing together recognised companies and workshops. The Group offers a multi-disciplinary range of services dedicated to private and public architectural heritage, covering stone cutting, masonry, carpentry, joinery, sculpture, painting, artistic metalwork, interior fit-outs and property refurbishment.

The Aurige Group has a turnover of €240 million and employs 2,000 people, with 27 subsidiaries and around 70 branches across France.

The integration of Verre & Métal and HEFI enables the Group to expand its offering and provide its public and private sector clients with a more diverse range of technical solutions. These acquisitions form part of the ongoing development of an independent Group capable of delivering services across the entire life cycle of a building: design, restoration, refurbishment, conversion and new-build construction.

Societex–Adviso Group acted as exclusive adviser to the shareholders of Verre & Métal and HEFI in connection with the merger with the Aurige Group.

Selling your stake in a company in which you’ve invested a large part of your life is never an easy decision. At times like these, it’s essential to have the right support, and the whole team at Societex rose to the challenge. Beyond the technical aspects, there are also a lot of emotions to deal with.Clément always found just the right words to reassure us and support us throughout this process. A huge thank you to Solène, Mathilde, Clément and, of course, Thomas! Raphaël GRIES Chairman – HEFI

Thomas Beaurain