What Colombia Cadet does

Colombié Cadet (legal name 'Les Fils de A.Colombié Cadet') is a French industrial supplies distributor founded in 1867, headquartered in Castres with a regional footprint across Midi-Pyrénées and Rhône-Alpes. The company sells an extensive multi-category catalog of more than 60,000 product references organized into eleven categories — air compressed fluids, equipment, hygiene/safety/environment, lifting and handling, tools, pneumatics and automation, personal protective equipment, semi-finished products, welding and assembly, power transmission, and machining — alongside three core services: custom hose assembly (Confection de Flexibles), after-sales service, and bespoke PPE services including cutting and customization.

Distribution is executed through eleven physical proximity stores and a B2B e-commerce platform at colombie-cadet.com, supported by a main warehouse at Labruguière and a new 3-hectare logistics platform due operational in 2025. The supplier portfolio covers 40+ branded partners (Bosch, Facom, Karcher, 3M, Festo, Stanley, Lincoln Electric, ESAB, Norgren, SEW Usocome, Trelleborg, Hutchinson/Paulstra, NTN/SNR, and others), and the company participates in the SOCODA national distribution network for group-level purchasing leverage.

Revenue mechanics are anchored in one-time product sales to professional B2B accounts across five vertical segments — industry, craftspeople/artisans, local authorities and administrations, agriculture, and building & construction — totaling approximately 10,000 customers. Pricing is account-gated ('Connectez-vous pour voir les prix'), with standard 45-day end-of-month payment terms under French LME law. The company is a privately held, family-owned enterprise with no disclosed funding, M&A, or institutional ownership signals.

Name

Colombia Cadet

Legal name

Les Fils de A.Colombié Cadet

Website

https://colombie-cadet.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1867

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Colombié Cadet is a privately held French industrial supplies distributor founded in 1867, selling 60,000+ SKUs across eleven categories to 10,000+ professional customers in industry, construction, crafts, agriculture, and public administration via eleven stores and a B2B e-commerce platform in southern France.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Castres

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices13 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Product Sales - Industrial Equipment & PPE: Revenue generated from the sale of industrial equipment, tools, PPE, compressed air systems, welding equipment, lifting/manutention equipment, transmission components, and related products to professional customers. The company stocks over 60,000 product references.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Colombié Cadet is a B2B industrial supplies distributor selling more than 60,000 product references across 11 categories — compressed air, equipment, hygiene/safety, lifting/handling, tools, pneumatics/automation, PPE, semi-finished products, welding/assembly, transmission, and machining — through 11 physical stores and an e-commerce platform in the Midi-Pyrénées and Rhône-Alpes regions of France. The company complements its product distribution with value-added services including custom hose assembly, cutting services, after-sales service, and PPE-specific services.

Product overview

Colombié Cadet is a technical industrial supplies distributor operating as a multi-category B2B e-commerce and retail platform. The company offers an extensive portfolio of 11 product categories covering air compressed fluids, equipment, hygiene safety & environment, lifting & handling, tools, pneumatics & automation, personal protective equipment (EPI), semi-finished products, welding & assembly, transmission components, and machining supplies. With over 60,000 product references and 10,000 customers in industry, craftsmanship, agriculture, construction, and public administration, the offering is organized around core product categories sold through both physical stores (11 locations in Midi-Pyrénées and Rhône-Alpes) and online. The company complements its product portfolio with professional services including hose assembly (Confection de Flexibles), after-sales service, EPI-specific services, and cutting services. No AI or technology integrations are offered.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Confection de Flexibles (Hose Assembly Service) Custom hose assembly service for industrial flexible hose applications, providing bespoke fabrication to customer specifications.
• Service Après Vente (After-Sales Service) After-sales service for supported products and equipment, providing post-purchase support to professional customers.
• Services Spécifiques E.P.I (PPE-Specific Services) Specific services for personal protective equipment including customization and specialized consultation for professional buyers.
• Découpes (Cutting Services) Custom cutting services for various industrial materials and products.
• Gant anti-coupure POWERFIT Cut-resistant gloves, level 3 protection. Knitted gauge 13 seamless gloves made of 100% high-density polyethylene filament with elastane insertion, CLEAN PU coating on palm and fingertips. EN388: 4343B certified. Available in sizes 6-12. Designed for industrial worker hand protection.
• Pantalon Genouillères EVOLVE Eco-responsible work trousers with Cordura knee pockets, lightweight stretch fabric, retro styling. Available in grey/black and beige/black, sizes 36-64. Designed for industrial and construction workers.
• Lunette de protection RUSH+ RUSHPPSF Ultra-flexible bi-material safety glasses with PLATINUM coating treatment for enhanced durability and scratch resistance. Designed for industrial eye protection.
• Casque IRIS 2 Integrated protection helmet with built-in safety glasses for construction, public works, and industrial applications. ABS-molded shell with adjustable ventilation, 6-point textile harness, polyethylene headband with ratchet adjustment (49-63cm), anti-shock anti-UV polycarbonate visor with scratch-resistant coating. Available with optional silicone nose rest, badge holder, 4-point chin strap, and retroreflective stickers.

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

34 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and flagship.

• BOSCHcoreTechnology or IntegrationMajor tool and power equipment brand partner providing professional-grade power tools, garden equipment, and accessories including wireless tools, grinders, drills, and garden machinery sold through Colombié Cadet stores.
• FACOMcoreTechnology or IntegrationPremium French professional hand tool brand partner providing comprehensive range of wrenches, sockets, pliers, and workshop equipment.
• KARCHERcoreTechnology or IntegrationProfessional cleaning equipment partner providing high-pressure washers, floor cleaners, industrial vacuums, and related accessories.
• 3M FrancemajorTechnology or IntegrationMulti-product technology partner providing abrasives, adhesive solutions, safety products, and workplace equipment.
• SOCODAflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorColombié Cadet is part of the SOCODA distribution network, a French professional distribution network for industrial equipment and supplies.
• FESTOmajorTechnology or IntegrationPneumatic automation technology partner providing pneumatic components, valves, cylinders, and air preparation equipment.
• NORGRENmajorTechnology or IntegrationPneumatic technology partner providing pneumatic valves, cylinders, and air preparation systems.
• STANLEYcoreTechnology or IntegrationProfessional tools and equipment brand partner providing hand tools, power tools, and workplace equipment.
• NORTON (Saint-Gobain)coreTechnology or IntegrationAbrasives and grinding solutions partner providing cutting discs, grinding wheels, sandpaper, and abrasive tools.
• ESABmajorTechnology or IntegrationWelding and cutting technology partner providing welding equipment, consumables, and protection equipment for professional welding applications.
• EWMmajorTechnology or IntegrationWelding technology partner specializing in professional welding equipment and solutions.
• LINCOLN ELECTRICmajorTechnology or IntegrationWelding equipment and automation partner providing welding machines, welding guns, and automated welding systems.
• LOCTITEmajorTechnology or IntegrationAdhesive and sealant technology partner providing industrial adhesives, sealants, and threadlocking products.
• TENTEmajorTechnology or IntegrationWheel and caster solutions partner providing industrial wheels, casters, and handling equipment.
• SEW USOCOMEmajorTechnology or IntegrationDrive technology partner providing motors, gearboxes, and drive systems for industrial applications.
• SDMOmajorTechnology or IntegrationPower generation equipment partner providing generators and power systems.
• ABACmajorTechnology or IntegrationCompressed air equipment partner providing compressors and compressed air systems.
• CINCINNATImajorTechnology or IntegrationCompressed air technology partner providing air compressors and compressed air solutions.
• INGERSOLLmajorTechnology or IntegrationIndustrial equipment partner providing pneumatic tools, air compressors, and material handling equipment.
• ALFAFLEXmajorTechnology or IntegrationFlexible hose and ducting technology partner providing industrial flexible hoses and ducting solutions.
• HUTCHINSON / PAULSTRAmajorTechnology or IntegrationSealing and vibration control technology partner providing industrial seals, flexible couplings, and vibration dampening solutions.
• TRELLEBORGmajorTechnology or IntegrationSealing solutions and polymer technology partner providing industrial seals and rubber components.
• NTN / SNRmajorTechnology or IntegrationBearing and mechanical transmission partner providing roller bearings, ball bearings, and bearing units.
• PFERDmajorTechnology or IntegrationAbrasive tools partner providing grinding wheels, cut-off wheels, wire brushes, and precision tools.
• COMASECmajorTechnology or IntegrationSafety equipment and PPE partner providing protective gloves and hand protection solutions.
• U POWERmajorTechnology or IntegrationSafety footwear partner providing professional safety shoes and boots.
• LEMAITREmajorTechnology or IntegrationSafety footwear and protective equipment partner.
• MOLINELmajorTechnology or IntegrationWorkwear and professional clothing partner providing work uniforms and safety apparel.
• PREVOSTmajorTechnology or IntegrationPneumatic tools and equipment partner providing pneumatic hand tools and air accessories.
• SEDISmajorTechnology or IntegrationMechanical transmission partner providing chains, sprockets, and power transmission components.
• TUBESCA-COMABImajorTechnology or IntegrationAccess equipment partner providing ladders, scaffolding, and access solutions.
• AVALCO-SETEMmajorTechnology or IntegrationCompressed air equipment and pneumatic tools partner.
• CITECmajorTechnology or IntegrationCompressed air technology partner.
• CMCOmajorTechnology or IntegrationLifting and material handling equipment partner.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Bricoman: Bricoman is a French cash-and-carry B2B retailer serving construction trades and maintenance professionals. Directly comparable for its trade-focused multi-category industrial supply model and proximity-store footprint in France.
• Würth France: Würth is the largest European B2B distributor of fasteners, tools, PPE, and industrial supplies, with a dense French store network. Highly comparable to Colombié Cadet in catalog breadth (multiple industrial categories) and B2B proximity-store model serving trades and industry.
• Dispano: Dispano is a French specialist distributor of wood, panels, and derived products serving carpenters and builders. Comparable as a Saint-Gobain-affiliated B2B proximity-store distributor serving trades with technical advice and customization services.
• SOCODA: SOCODA is the French professional distribution network of which Colombié Cadet is a member. Comparable as the parent cooperative of independent industrial distributors with shared purchasing and overlapping product portfolios.
• Cedeo (Saint-Gobain Distribution): Cedeo is Saint-Gobain's B2B distribution brand for plumbing, heating, and sanitary supplies serving French trades professionals. Comparable as a proximity-store trade-distribution model, though narrower in category focus.
• Frans Bonhomme: Frans Bonhomme is the leading French specialist distributor of building materials, sanitation, and infrastructure supplies with a dense national proximity-store network. Comparable for its trade-focused B2B distribution across construction and infrastructure verticals.

Emerging players

• Manomano: Manomano is a fast-growing French online marketplace for DIY, home improvement, and trade supplies. Comparable as a competing channel for tools, PPE, and construction supplies, though pure-play digital vs. Colombié Cadet's physical-store-anchored model.
• Kärcher (direct / Kärcher Center): Kärcher operates its own branded retail and B2B channels for professional cleaning equipment in France. Comparable as a competing route to market for cleaning/industrial equipment, and also one of Colombié Cadet's named brand partners.

Broad incumbents

• Rexel: Rexel is a global B2B distributor of electrical, lighting, and industrial products with significant French presence. Comparable as a broad incumbent serving professional buyers across multiple industrial categories, though more focused on electrical/lighting than Colombié Cadet's mechanical/PPE mix.

Regional players

• BTP Distribution: BTP Distribution is a French B2B distributor serving building and public works professionals with tools, PPE, and construction supplies. Comparable multi-category trade supply model, often serving similar contractor and municipal buyers.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/colombiecadet
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/colombie-cadet

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Colombia Cadet