Through this approach, the Lorillard Group extends its field of expertise by integrating the advanced skills of FRANCE 2000. This acquisition also includes access to a specialized design office and to production tools dedicated to these works, thus strengthening the ability of the Group to offer innovative and tailor-made solutions to its customers.
This is a significant step forward in the Lorillard Group's quest for operational excellence.
Artisanal excellence, France 2000 master in the art of shaping aluminum
Carpentry artisans for 40 years, France 2000 is a family business specializing in carpentry and aluminum facades.
Its founder, Jean-Claude SOT, and current President, has brought a dimension of expertise by providing the company with an efficient production tool and a design office capable of meeting the varied requirements of architects, particularly for the creation of curtain walls on tertiary buildings.
Under his enlightened leadership, the company he created today has 90 employees and is thriving in particular on the new construction market, achieving 60% turnover in Paris and Ile-de-France and thus approaching a turnover of 16 million euros in 2023.
This success is testimony to proven expertise, combining artisanal tradition, technical expertise, and adaptation to the contemporary needs of the carpentry and aluminum facade sector.
The future of France 2000 enters a new era under the direction of Jean Baptiste SOT, General Director of the company. The announcement of the retirement of his father, Jean-Claude SOT, was the trigger for a carefully planned transition to ensure the sustainability and prosperity of the company.
Aware of the crucial issues for the future of France 2000, father and son made the strategic decision to join a Group.
This approach aims to guarantee a smooth transition while preserving the autonomy, values and expertise that have made the company famous.
The effectiveness of the Lorillard Group model has proven to be undeniably profitable for the companies that have joined the Group such as France 2000. With a robust and constantly growing activity, the company feels the need to consolidate its foundations to continue its development in the territory. The synergy orchestrated by the Lorillard Group offers a framework conducive to prosperity and expansion. By relying on the Group's powerful structure, France 2000 ensures that it maintains its thriving business while aspiring to new horizons. The objective is clear: capitalize on everyone's expertise – France 2000 on the new construction and heavy facade renovation market and Lorillard on the joinery renovation market – increase production capacity to meet the Group's requirements in the facade market and create a commercial dynamic between the two companies.
For Jean-Claude SOT: « The choice of the LORILLARD Group as buyer of France 2000 was motivated not by financial considerations, but by the financial capacity of this group to ensure the prosperity and sustainability of France 2000. Maintaining the organizational independence of France 2000 and compliance with commitments to employees are crucial aspects, duly confirmed and approved by the LORILLARD Group »
A strategic ally and broadened horizons for the Lorillard Group
At the same time, given the reputation of France 2000, its strong regional presence, its specific expertise in the construction of aluminum curtain walls, this complementarity is a real geostrategic model for the Lorillard Group. Thierry Luce, President of the Lorillard Group, underlines the strategic importance of the acquisition of France 2000 by highlighting the significant opportunities it offers.
For Thierry Luce: « The acquisition of the company France 2000, which I have known for more than 20 years, constitutes a major entry point into the new curtain wall market, in a region where our presence was until now limited. It broadens our geographic scope, opening up new growth prospects. In addition to this geographical expansion, the acquisition brings key skills, notably the 3712 and 3723 qualifications, strengthening our positioning in the manufacture, supply and installation of metal curtain facades. »
Thierry Luce's vision extends beyond operational aspects to the anticipation of market developments. It also highlights the valuable cutting-edge know-how that France 2000 brings, highlighting the crucial value of this distinctive expertise. Beyond that, it is also an efficient production tool which adds to the assets, propelling the Lorillard Group towards a horizon of unparalleled performance. In a forward-looking approach, Thierry Luce looks ahead to future developments in the sector, particularly with reference to the new tertiary decree. “This provides for the imminent need to renovate old curtain wall facades to improve the thermal balance of energy-intensive buildings. Thus, the acquisition of France 2000 is of strategic importance, providing the Group with expertise and an industrial tool perfectly aligned with these future prospects.”
The Lorillard Group, by hiring a company with such technical expertise, positions itself advantageously to respond to specific calls for tenders. This proactive approach reflects the Group's desire to remain at the forefront of innovation, ready to meet market challenges and seize the opportunities that are emerging on the horizon.
Faithful to its philosophy of support and development, the Lorillard Group demonstrates its commitment to the companies it integrates into its ecosystem. As part of the acquisition of France 2000, Jean-Claude SOT, founder and current manager, will continue to provide his expertise and support to his son Jean-Baptiste over the next six months. This support period aims to facilitate harmonious integration within the Lorillard Group. At the same time, the Lorillard Group affirms its commitment to the expansion and development of France 2000. Substantial investments are planned to increase the company's manufacturing capacity by 30%, an essential measure to meet the growing demand resulting from its integration within the Group.
The France 2000 company is entering this new phase with an already substantial order book, reaching 24 million euros. In support of this alliance with the Group, France 2000 is part of a perspective of expansion and continued success, while preserving the heritage that has been its strength for decades.
With the acquisition of France 2000, the consolidated turnover of the Lorillard Group amounts to 1 million euros on January 2024, 280. Ambitious, the Group aims to increase this figure to more than 300 million euros by the end of 2024, thus illustrating its determination to maintain sustained growth and strengthen its position as a major player in the sector. .