9th January 2023

Saint-Gobain, the French multinational producer of construction, high-performance, and other materials, has announced the divestment of its distribution businesses in the United Kingdom for EUR 850 million to Stark group, one of the largest retailers and distributors of building materials across Northern Europe. The deal also includes the builders and timber merchant Jewson.

The divested assets are expected to generate revenues of around €2.7 billion in 2022 with an operating margin of around 2%. They comprise 600 outlets and employ 8,900 people. The divestment is based on an enterprise value of £740 million, i.e. around €850 million.

This transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2023 and is not subject to any external conditions. Saint-Gobain will then no longer have any distribution businesses in the United Kingdom.

It follows the divestment of specialist distribution brands in the United Kingdom over the last 18 months representing around €650 million of revenues at around breakeven in terms of operating margin, based on an enterprise value of around €200 million.

These divestments are part of Saint-Gobain’s continued business profile optimization strategy to enhance the Group’s growth and profitability in line with its “Grow & Impact” plan.

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance.

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