Descours & Cabaud

What Descours & Cabaud does

Descours & Cabaud is a French family-owned industrial distribution group headquartered in Lyon, operating through five specialized sales networks: DEXIS (222 outlets, European industrial sectors), PROLIANS (332 outlets, European construction sectors), HYDRALIANS (78 outlets, European water and landscape), FICODIS (49 outlets, Canadian/US industrial), and US operations through Dillon Supply and Hahn Group (51 outlets). The Group distributes over 1 million product references across hardware, tools, PPE, steel, water-treatment, machining, automation, and MRO consumables to construction professionals, industrial manufacturers, and water/landscape specialists across 14 countries.

Revenue is generated primarily through transactional product distribution supplemented by value-added services: dedicated Key Account management for large enterprise 'Grands Comptes' under multi-year negotiated contracts, e-procurement workflow integration via the DC Clic platform (connected to IVALUA, ARIBA, COUPA), EPI Category III PPE maintenance through 11 mobile Safety Trucks, predictive maintenance services, connected vending through DistriVEND, and the Tech'Up training academy. The distribution model combines 730+ physical sales outlets with omnichannel digital procurement, supported by 21 logistics centers totaling 246,000 m² of storage and J+1 delivery capability.

The Group pursues a permanent acquisition-led expansion strategy, having completed more than 22 acquisitions since 2010 across Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Canada, the US, and (in 2025) Switzerland. Own brands OPSIAL, 4MP, XHANDER, Flowdians, and Aquapure provide proprietary margin capture, while DC Global Sourcing consolidates procurement through five Asia/Europe offices. With €4.8 billion in 2025 revenue and 14,900 employees, the Group is a leader in France, an active consolidator in Europe, and a growing player in North America.

Name

Descours & Cabaud

Legal name

SOGEDESCA (Société de Gestion des services communs du groupe DESCOURS & CABAUD)

Website

https://descours-cabaud.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1784

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Descours & Cabaud is a French family-owned industrial distribution group operating 730+ sales outlets across 14 countries through specialized brands (DEXIS, PROLIANS, HYDRALIANS, FICODIS), serving construction, industrial, and water/landscape professionals with over one million product references.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Lyon

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Industrial Supplies Distribution: Revenue generated from distribution of industrial supplies, equipment, and maintenance products through physical sales outlets and digital channels. The company offers over 1 million product references across hardware, tools, PPE, steel, plumbing, and specialized technical products.
2. Maintenance and Technical Services: Value-added services including EPI maintenance (category III), predictive maintenance, safety training, customization of PPE, and technical support. Services include 11 Safety Trucks for mobile maintenance in France.
3. Logistics Services: Next-day logistics services, supply chain management, inventory management, and connected distribution solutions. 21 logistics centers with 246,000 m² total storage capacity enabling J+1 delivery.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

DESCOURS & CABAUD is a family-owned industrial distribution group that distributes over 1,000,000 product references spanning industrial supplies, tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), steel, plumbing/heating/sanitary products, water treatment, and landscape supplies through 730+ owned sales outlets in 14 countries under the DEXIS, PROLIANS, HYDRALIANS, and FICODIS brands. The group complements its physical distribution network with value-added services including Category III PPE maintenance, predictive maintenance, technical training via the Tech'Up academy, and digital procurement tools such as the DC Clic platform integrating with IVALUA, ARIBA, and COUPA. Next-day logistics is enabled by 21 logistics centers with 246,000 m² of storage capacity across 9 countries.

Product overview

Descours & Cabaud is an industrial and construction supply distributor operating as a platform of multiple specialized sales networks. The company offers products and services through five main sales networks: DEXIS (European industrial sectors), PROLIANS (European construction sectors), HYDRALIANS (European water and landscape sectors), FICODIS (Canadian/North American industrial and construction sectors), and US operations (Dillon Supply, Hahn Group, Acier Ouellette). The portfolio includes own brands OPSIAL (PPE), 4MP (industrial maintenance products), XHANDER (tools and equipment), Flowdians/Aquapure (water treatment), and exclusive partnerships like KRESS (power tools). Digital offerings include DC Clic e-procurement platform, distriVEND connected distribution, MySecuriPack PPE management, Track Up productivity analytics, and DC Global Sourcing. Services encompass Tech'Up training academy, EPI Maintenance for Category 3 PPE, predictive maintenance, exoskeleton solutions, and cobot automation. The company distributes over 1 million product references across 730+ sales outlets in 14 countries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• OPSIAL: Private label brand dedicated to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for industrial and construction sectors
• XhANDER
• 4MP
• Flowdians
• Aquapure
• Tech'Up
• DC Clic
• distriVEND
• Track Up
• MySecuriPack

Products and services

• DEXIS DEXIS is the Group's European sales network of 222 outlets serving industrial sectors, offering global solutions for industrial maintenance including mechatronics, machining, automation, personal protective equipment, tooling, and consumables.
• PROLIANS PROLIANS is the Group's European sales network of 332 outlets serving construction professionals with hardware, tools, public works products, construction site equipment, steel, and PPE across 200+ construction trades.
• HYDRALIANS HYDRALIANS is the Group's specialized European sales network of 78 outlets in France and Portugal providing products, services, and personalized support for water and landscape professionals including swimming pools, watering, water treatment, irrigation, and fountains.
• FICODIS FICODIS is the Group's Canadian sales network of 49 outlets specializing in distribution of products and services for industrial maintenance including power transmission, cutting tools, tooling, and PPE, serving mining, manufacturing, machining, food processing, and construction sectors across Quebec, Ontario, and US locations in New York and New Jersey.
• OPSIAL Personal Protective Equipment Brand OPSIAL is the Group's proprietary brand specializing in personal protective equipment with complete ranges for hand protection, foot protection, clothing, head/eye/respiratory protection, and fall protection for industrial and construction professionals.
• 4MP Industrial Maintenance Brand 4MP is the Group's proprietary brand for technical industrial maintenance products specializing in machining and power transmission, focused on quality, productivity, and industrial excellence.
• XHANDER Construction Tools and Equipment Brand XHANDER is the Group's proprietary brand for tools, equipment, and supplies for construction professionals, offering hardware, plumbing, and exterior improvement products.
• Flowdians Water and Landscape Brand Flowdians is the Group's proprietary brand dedicated to technical products for water and landscape professionals, offering over 400 references across FLOWDIANS Blue swimming pool range and FLOWDIANS Green landscape range.
• Aquapure Pool Water Treatment Brand Aquapure is the Group's brand for chemical products dedicated to swimming pool water treatment and maintenance, with SEVESO II classified storage and ADR-qualified transportation.
• DC Clic E-Procurement Platform DC Clic is a B2B e-procurement platform providing streamlined product catalog access, comprehensive product content, ERP integration, and unified purchasing for both catalog and non-catalog purchases, integrating with major enterprise procurement platforms IVALUA, ARIBA, and COUPA.
• distriVEND Connected Distribution Solution distriVEND is a connected distribution solution for PPE and consumables using automated vending machines providing 24/7 product availability, ease of use, and maximum profitability for industrial sites.
• EPI Maintenance Service EPI Maintenance is a Group technical service company specialized in maintenance of Category 3 PPE protecting against irreversible or fatal accidents, covering gas detectors, respiratory protection, chemical suits, fall arrest systems, and life jackets.
• Tech'Up Training Academy Tech'Up is the Group's in-house professional training academy providing commercial, technical, and professional training with over 120 available courses, 170 catalog offerings, and e-learning capabilities for industrial and construction professionals.
• Track Up Productivity Analytics Track Up is the Group's productivity measurement software that tracks and quantifies customer profits and business performance, with PPE traceability built in.
• DEXIS Chrono Solutions Rapid Component Sourcing DEXIS Chrono Solutions is a service providing rapid component sourcing for breakdowns and replacements to avoid production downtime and ensure reliable sources for industrial customers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 450,000 customers served by PROLIANS alone
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Three European acquisitionscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 July 2025Three new acquisitions in Europe enriched the product and service offering and expanded geographical presence. Switzerland became the 14th country of operation.
• Five acquisitionscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 March 2025Five new acquisitions strengthened strategic positioning and developed expertise in new markets as part of the Group's targeted growth strategy.
• Rockwell AutomationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 September 2024DEXIS FRANCE became the first French distributor to obtain 'Value-Add Distributor' status of ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, the world leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. Supported by Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Grand Est and Pays de la Loire regions.
• SDI SuppliesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 May 2024Canadian brand FICODIS acquired SDI SUPPLIES, specialized in the distribution of top-quality hand tools, hardware, Personal Protective Equipment and industrial supplies, located in Canada.
• LNR Tool and SupplyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 May 2024FICODIS acquired LNR TOOL AND SUPPLY, a specialist in cutting tools and lubricants, as part of its North American external growth strategy.
• BTN-Henny van OmmerenminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 March 2022Acquisition in the Netherlands as part of international development strategy to build European leadership in industrial supplies and PPE.
• SINTIMEXminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 March 2022Acquisition in Portugal as part of international development strategy to build European leadership in industrial supplies and PPE.
• Fremont Industrial CorpcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 March 2022Ficodis joined the French group Descours & Cabaud to expand its presence in North America through acquisition of Fremont Industrial Corp in New York. The deal supports Ficodis's growth in the US and aims to broaden product offerings, geographical coverage, and synergies.
• FICODIScoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 January 2022Canadian company FICODIS joined the Group, bringing 33 sales outlets in Canada. Specializes in distribution of products and services for industrial maintenance: power transmission, cutting tools, tools and PPE. Based in Montreal with presence in Quebec and Ontario, plus US locations in New York.
• SAFELINEminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 October 2021DEXIS acquired SAFELINE, specialist in Personal Protective Equipment. Founded 40 years ago with 85 employees, based in Dortmund, Germany. DEXIS now has 4 subsidiaries in Germany with 500 employees.
• CUDELLminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2021HYDRALIANS acquired CUDELL, a water sector company established in Portugal. Founded in 1954, CUDELL addresses landscape sector players with products covering swimming pools, watering, water treatment, agricultural irrigation and pumping. 35 employees across 6 sales outlets.
• NÖLLE & NORDHORNminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2020Acquisition of German company with €36 million turnover and 110 employees. Located in Gütersloh, North Rhine-Westphalia, assists professionals in maintenance and upkeep of production facilities for over 60 years.
• IVALUA, ARIBA, COUPAcoreTechnology or IntegrationDESCOURS & CABAUD's digital procurement platform DC Clic integrates with leading e-procurement platforms including IVALUA, ARIBA, and COUPA to help customers digitize workflows.
• Sport dans la VilleminorOthersLeading association in France for social integration through sport. Since 2012, DESCOURS & CABAUD supports 7,000 young people through this association. Employees mentor young people, lead career exploration workshops, participate in sporting events.
• Fondation des Hospices Civils de LyonminorOthersSupported since its creation in 2013, the HCL Foundation multiplies initiatives by providing latest-generation equipment and innovative infrastructures to the second-largest university hospital in France.
• Emergences FoundationminorOthersCommunity of 49 Lyon-based companies supporting sponsors of entrepreneurial projects through voluntary skills transfers and networking. Group participates by engaging with entrepreneurs throughout their adventures.
• Musée des Beaux-Arts de LyonminorOthersLong-standing member of the Club du Musée Saint-Pierre since 2009. DESCOURS & CABAUD contributes to enrichment of collections and educational programmes, including acquisition of works by Pierre Soulages, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Nicolas Poussin, and Henri Matisse.
• MBTP (Mutuelle des artisans du BTP)minorOthersPartnership with MBTP, the mutual insurance company for construction and public works professionals, for organizing customer prevention days.
• TUBESCA-COMABIminorOthersCollaborative partnership with TUBESCA-COMABI, manufacturer of height access solutions, to reduce packaging volume. Eliminated all sub-packaging, reducing packaging quantity by 50%.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• Travis Perkins: UK-listed construction materials distributor serving builders and trades. Comparable to PROLIANS in construction supply focus and trade professional customer base, though geographically concentrated in UK market.

Broad incumbents

• Rexel: French-listed global electrical distribution leader. Larger and listed, serves similar industrial customer base but specializes in electrical products. Comparable as a French-based industrial distribution incumbent.
• Brenntag: Global chemicals and ingredients distribution leader. Larger and listed, but similar industrial distribution model serving manufacturers with value-added services. Comparable as a European-headquartered industrial distribution incumbent.
• Kingfisher: European-listed DIY/home improvement retailer (Castorama, Brico Dépôt). Overlap with PROLIANS on tools, hardware, and construction supplies, though primarily B2C-focused rather than B2B trade professional.

Direct peers

• MSC Industrial: US-listed metalworking and industrial supply distributor with direct sales model and broad SKU offering. Comparable as direct industrial MRO peer serving manufacturing customers across similar product categories.
• Genuine Parts Company: US-listed parts distributor with industrial segment (Motion Industries). Comparable in industrial MRO distribution serving manufacturers, with similar broad-line industrial supplies portfolio and branch model.
• Fastenal: US-listed industrial supplies distributor with branch network and Onsite vending solutions (analogous to distriVEND). Direct peer in industrial distribution with comparable product breadth and customer segments.
• Würth Group: German family-owned global market leader in industrial distribution (fasteners, tools, PPE, automotive). Highly comparable to Descours & Cabaud in family-owned status, multi-country industrial distribution focus, and direct sales model serving trade professionals.
• W.W. Grainger: US-listed industrial MRO distribution giant with broad product range and digital tools (like Grainger.com, KeepStock vending). Direct competitor in industrial distribution serving similar customer base of manufacturers and maintenance professionals.
• Saint-Gobain Distribution France: French building materials distribution (Point.P, CEDEO, etc.) serving construction professionals. Comparable to PROLIANS as a French-headquartered construction materials distributor with omnichannel model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights8 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/descourscabaud-officiel/playlists
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/descours-&-cabaud

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries17 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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

M&A20 records

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Descours & Cabaud