Construx Group Expands Global Reach with Acquisition of CBE Group

Construx Group Expands Global Reach with Acquisition of CBE Group

Construx Group, the Belgian formwork specialist, has taken another decisive step in its ambitious growth strategy with the acquisition of French-based CBE Group, the undisputed global leader in moulds and carousel systems for precast tunnel segments. The deal adds a new dimension to Construx’s offering, reinforcing its standing as a worldwide reference in moulds, machinery, and production lines for the precast concrete industry.

The move follows Construx’s 2023 acquisition of German automation specialist Weckenmann, underlining the company’s rapid expansion through a buy-and-build strategy that is consolidating expertise across Europe and beyond.

European Consolidation in a Specialist Market

The formwork industry is a highly specialised sector, historically led by European players. Founded in 2003 by Anthony Jannes and Ward Demyttenaere, Construx has grown from its Belgian roots into an international force, providing formwork solutions for both precast and in-situ concrete structures. Its strength lies in managing engineering and manufacturing entirely in-house, with nine production sites spread across Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Romania. Five of these sites also act as rental hubs for modular systems, giving the group flexibility to adapt to project-specific requirements.

By 2024, following the Weckenmann integration, Construx had achieved a consolidated turnover of €70 million with 380 employees, operating projects in more than 80 countries. Its reputation was cemented by high-profile carousel installations in the UK, Portugal, Canada, and Poland, alongside diverse formwork projects from the United States to New Zealand.

Expertise in Tunnel Segments and Heavy Lifting

The acquisition of CBE Group adds significant weight to Construx’s portfolio. Headquartered in Saint-Avertin, France, CBE reported a turnover of €28 million in 2024, employing 310 people across its operations in France and China. CBE’s claim to fame includes producing the precast moulds used in the Channel Tunnel – a flagship project that demonstrated its unrivalled expertise in tunnel segment formwork.

This acquisition also includes Acimex, CBE’s subsidiary specialising in heavy lifting solutions. Acimex has developed advanced vacuum technology to handle large and complex precast elements, giving Construx access to new technologies and markets that extend far beyond traditional formwork systems. With production sites in both France and China, CBE and Acimex broaden Construx’s geographical footprint and technical capacity.

Preserving Brand Strength While Building Synergies

Construx’s leadership has been clear that the integration of CBE Group will not dilute the brand equity of its new subsidiaries. Instead, the plan is to leverage the strengths of each brand – Construx, Weckenmann, CBE, and Acimex – while fostering synergies that accelerate innovation, streamline product development, and expand international market coverage. This multi-brand approach provides scale without sacrificing the deep expertise that each company brings.

Importantly, the presence of CBE and Acimex in China gives Construx Group a solid operational base in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for infrastructure and urban development. For CBE and Acimex, joining Construx represents a natural continuation of their growth trajectory, while safeguarding their identity and operational autonomy.

€100 Million Turnover and 700 Employees

With CBE now part of the family, Construx Group’s consolidated turnover climbs to around €100 million, supported by a workforce nearing 700 employees. The group remains privately owned by its founders and management, ensuring that decision-making remains agile and closely aligned with its long-term vision.

As part of the new structure, Julien Travers, a co-owner, will take the reins as CEO of CBE Group and its subsidiaries, steering the brand under the wider Construx umbrella. The company’s mission statement, “Shaping the Future of Concrete”, remains at the heart of this expansion, reflecting its ambition to set new standards in the precast industry.

A New Chapter for the Global Precast Industry

The strategic integration of CBE Group marks more than just a business transaction; it signals a shift in the global precast industry. By combining the strengths of Construx, Weckenmann, CBE, and Acimex, the group is positioning itself as a powerhouse of formwork technology, automation, and lifting solutions. The synergy between European engineering expertise and international manufacturing capacity opens the door to fresh innovations in concrete construction.

For construction professionals, investors, and policymakers, the acquisition underscores the growing importance of consolidation in niche markets where innovation and precision engineering are critical. It also highlights the role of European companies in shaping the technologies that underpin global infrastructure.

Looking Ahead with Confidence

Construx’s founders remain open to further acquisitions and investments, signalling that this is far from the last chapter in their expansion story. With demand for infrastructure projects rising globally, and governments prioritising sustainable, high-quality construction, the timing could not be better.

The acquisition of CBE Group represents more than an increase in turnover and headcount. It is a statement of intent – that Construx is ready to lead the next generation of precast construction technologies, setting benchmarks that others will follow.