EQIP
EQIP is a French cooperative network founded in 2016 that aggregates 28 independent hardware and industrial-supply distributors operating 670 retail points across France and Belgium, serving building professionals, industrial businesses, and local authorities.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2016
- HeadquartersParis, France
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What EQIP does
EQIP (Entreprises de Quincaillerie Indépendantes pour les Professionnels) is a French cooperative groupement founded in 2016 through the merger of the FEDIS and SEBA networks. It aggregates 28 independent, family-owned hardware and industrial-supply distributors operating 670 retail points of sale across France and Belgium, serving three primary customer segments: building professionals (artisans, contractors), industrial businesses, and local authorities. The organization does not sell hardware directly; instead, it negotiates collective purchasing agreements with 195 supplier brands organized across 10 product commissions and provides members with shared services, brand coordination, and operational infrastructure.
EQIP's core technology asset is ITEQ (Informations Techniques pour Entreprises de Quincaillerie), a proprietary ERP platform developed internally and rolled out across the network to centralize commercial partnership management, monitor member activity, and coordinate operations across the distributed retail footprint. Beyond ITEQ, EQIP operates the annual FORMATECH trade show and a Services Généraux pole that extends negotiated partnerships into adjacent general-expense categories such as fleet management, fuel, logistics, and staffing through providers including Ayvens, TotalEnergies, Kuehne+Nagel, and Adecco.
EQIP generates revenue primarily through membership fees from its 28 distributor members and through fees derived from its negotiated supplier reference agreements across the brand portfolio. Headquartered in Vaulx-en-Velin (Lyon metropolitan area), the central organization operates with a small corporate staff (1-10 employees), while end-customer pricing is set individually by member distributors. No external investors, parent company, or public listing have been disclosed; the company is led by President Rik Lecot and Secrétaire Générale Laurence Perrin.
EQIP firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- EQIP
- Legal name
- SAS EQIP
- Website
- https://eqip.fr
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2016
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- EQIP is a French cooperative network founded in 2016 that aggregates 28 independent hardware and industrial-supply distributors operating 670 retail points across France and Belgium, serving building professionals, industrial businesses, and local authorities.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
EQIP industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Hardware Distribution Services
- NAICS
- Other Commercial Equipment Merchant Wholesalers (42344), Service Establishment Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (42385)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Hardware (5072)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Office Supplies, IT & Workplace Procurement Marketplaces (CRAFAHAF)
Keywords
Where EQIP is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Paris
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
EQIP business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Member Network Fees: EQIP generates revenue through membership fees collected from its 28 independent distributor members. Members benefit from collective purchasing power, shared supplier agreements, and access to the ITEQ technology platform in exchange for network contributions.
- Supplier Reference Fees: Revenue derived from negotiated supplier partnerships. EQIP references 195 supplier brands across 10 product commissions. Suppliers gain access to the network of 670 points of sale through the groupement's negotiated agreements.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
EQIP product offering
Product offeringCore offering
EQIP is a French cooperative groupement (purchasing network) of 28 independent distributors specialized in building hardware (quincaillerie de bâtiment) and industrial supplies (fourniture industrielle) for building professionals, industrial buyers, and local authorities. The organization negotiates collective supplier agreements with 195 brands across 10 product commissions, provides the ITEQ ERP system to coordinate member operations across 670 points of sale in France and Belgium, and runs the FORMATECH annual trade show. Revenue is generated through membership fees from distributors and reference commissions from supplier partners.
Product overview
EQIP is a purchasing/distribution network groupement (not a software product company) comprising 28 independent hardware distributors operating 670 sales points across France and Belgium. The organization provides a portfolio of services to its members including: the ITEQ ERP system for network coordination and operational optimization, organized trade events (FORMATECH), and access to 195 supplier brands across 10 product commissions covering fixings, tools, workshop equipment, PPE, closures, hardware/fittings, and consumables. The ITEQ system serves as the core technology platform enabling members to manage commercial partnerships and operational coordination, while FORMATECH is an annual professional event facilitating training, demonstrations, and business development. EQIP does not develop or sell software products externally.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- EQIP Groupement Network Membership Cooperative membership service for independent hardware and industrial supply distributors in France and Belgium. Members gain access to negotiated agreements with 195 supplier brands across 10 product commissions, the ITEQ ERP platform for network coordination, the annual FORMATECH trade show, and shared marketing and training resources. Member distributors operate 670 retail points of sale serving building professionals, industrial buyers, and local authorities.
Companies that use EQIP
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
EQIP technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
EQIP partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
34 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- FESTOOLcorePremium power tool manufacturer featured as a key supplier partner on the EQIP network. Featured products include the HLC 82 cordless planer and DFC 500 cordless Domino joining system. EQIP provides promotional support and access to the 670-point distribution network.
- BoschmajorMajor power tools and hardware brand included in the EQIP supplier portfolio across multiple product categories including power tools and accessories.
- DeWaltmajorProfessional power tools brand featured in the EQIP supplier network, serving construction and industrial professionals through member distribution points.
- MakitamajorMajor power tools manufacturer included in the EQIP supplier portfolio with full product range for building professionals.
- MilwaukeemajorProfessional power tools brand included in the EQIP supplier network serving industrial and construction markets.
- FacommajorPremium French professional hand tools brand included in the EQIP supplier portfolio, specializing in workshop equipment and precision tools.
- ManitoumajorMaterial handling equipment manufacturer (forklifts, aerial work platforms) featured in EQIP network's handling/rangement category under general expenses partnerships.
- ManitoumajorForklift and material handling equipment brand with ME LIFT lithium-powered range featured in partner news section, targeting logistics, manufacturing, and construction sectors.
- AyvensminorFleet management and mobility solutions provider in the EQIP General Expenses (Frais Généraux) category, offering preferential rates to member distributors for vehicle fleet management.
- EuropcarminorVehicle rental services provider in EQIP General Expenses category, offering preferential rates to member distributors for vehicle rental needs.
- TotalEnergiesminorEnergy provider in EQIP General Expenses category offering preferential fuel rates to member distributors for vehicle fleets.
- DB SchenkerminorLogistics and freight forwarding services provider in EQIP General Expenses category supporting member distribution operations.
- DPDminorExpress parcel delivery services provider in EQIP General Expenses category serving member distribution network logistics needs.
- HeppnerminorFrench logistics and transport services provider in EQIP General Expenses category supporting member distribution operations.
- AdeccominorTemporary staffing and recruitment agency in EQIP General Expenses category, offering preferential rates to member distributors for workforce needs.
- ManpowerminorStaffing and recruitment services provider in EQIP General Expenses category offering preferential rates to member distributors.
- JungheinrichminorWarehouse and materials handling equipment manufacturer (forklifts, racking) in EQIP General Expenses category supporting member logistics infrastructure.
- Kuehne+NagelminorGlobal logistics and supply chain management company in EQIP General Expenses category serving member distribution network needs.
- EuromasterminorProfessional hardware and tire services provider recognized for customer service quality. Featured as a partner of Quincaillerie Angles in EQIP network, specializing in tools, hardware, and workshop equipment.
- HiKOKImajorPower tools manufacturer formerly known as Hitachi Power Tools, included in EQIP supplier portfolio for power tools and accessories.
- KnipexmajorPremium German hand tools manufacturer specializing in pliers and cutting tools, included in EQIP supplier network.
- TivolymajorFrench precision tooling manufacturer included in EQIP supplier portfolio for cutting tools and drill bits.
- Assa AbloymajorGlobal door opening solutions provider including locks, cylinders, and access control systems, featured in EQIP locking and automation product category.
- 3MmajorDiversified technology company providing abrasives, adhesives, and safety products included in EQIP consumables and EPI categories.
- Delta PlusmajorPersonal protective equipment (PPE) manufacturer included in EQIP EPI/HPS product category serving building and industrial professionals.
- BostikmajorAdhesives and sealants manufacturer included in EQIP fixation and sealing product categories.
- HenkelmajorAdhesives, sealants, and surface treatment products (Loctite, Bonderite) included in EQIP fixation and consumables categories.
- SoudalmajorAdhesives, sealants, and polyurethane foam manufacturer included in EQIP fixation and sealing product categories.
- DormakabamajorDoor hardware, access control, and automated door systems manufacturer included in EQIP locking and automation category.
- Simpson Strong-TiemajorStructural building components and fastening systems manufacturer included in EQIP fixation and structural hardware categories.
- CamemajorDoor automation and access control systems manufacturer included in EQIP locking and automation product category.
- FAACmajorAutomated barrier and gate systems manufacturer included in EQIP locking and automation category.
- FEDIS (historical predecessor)coreFEDIS was one of the two original networks that merged to form EQIP in 2016. Along with SEBA, FEDIS represented independent hardware distribution networks that combined to create the current groupement structure.
- SEBA (historical predecessor)coreSEBA was one of the two original networks that merged to form EQIP in 2016. Along with FEDIS, SEBA represented independent hardware distribution networks that combined to create the current groupement structure.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights5 records
EQIP competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Travis Perkins: UK-listed national distributor of building materials serving professional tradesmen through a branch network and plumbers/heating merchants. Comparable operating model and end customer (professional trades) but UK-only geographically.
Broad incumbents
- Point.P: Saint-Gobain subsidiary and one of France's largest building materials distribution networks serving professional tradesmen. Competes directly with EQIP member stores for the same professional contractor customers in France.
- Würth: Global market leader in fastener, tools, and consumables distribution with proprietary direct-sales model and direct-to-customer van sales force. Overlaps with EQIP's core product categories (fasteners, tools, consumables) and competes for the same artisan/contractor end customer.
- Sonepar: World's largest B2B electrical, lighting, and automation distributor with significant French operations. Adjacent to EQIP's industrial supplies vertical through technical trade distribution to professionals.
- Leroy Merlin: One of Europe's largest DIY and home improvement retailers with strong French presence; an adjacent competitor at the consumer trade boundary, exercising pricing pressure on EQIP member stores.
Direct peers
- BigMat: European cooperative network of independent building materials distributors operating across multiple countries. Same structural model as EQIP: aggregates independent dealers for collective purchasing power and brand alignment; directly comparable in GTM and value proposition.
- Ciffreo Bona: French distributor of heating, plumbing, and sanitary equipment referenced as an EQIP member generating €380M in materials trading revenue. Comparable in scale and French pro-channel focus, though specialized in HVAC/plumbing rather than general hardware.
- Socoda: French cooperative network of independent technical distributors serving industrial and tertiary customers. Comparable cooperative-of-independents structure and B2B professional distribution model to EQIP.
- Gedimat: French purchasing group of independent building materials retailers serving professional tradesmen. Mirrors EQIP's cooperative structure and target customer segment (artisans, contractors) in the same French market.
- Qama: French trade group described as the 5th largest in France with combined member volume exceeding €1B. Operates as a purchasing group for independent distributors in the professional channel, comparable in network economics to EQIP.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
EQIP social profiles
Digital presenceEQIP financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
EQIP leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
EQIP funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
EQIP M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about EQIP
What does EQIP do?
EQIP is a French cooperative groupement (purchasing network) of 28 independent distributors specialized in building hardware (quincaillerie de bâtiment) and industrial supplies (fourniture industrielle) for building professionals, industrial buyers, and local authorities. The organization negotiates collective supplier agreements with 195 brands across 10 product commissions, provides the ITEQ ERP system to coordinate member operations across 670 points of sale in France and Belgium, and runs the FORMATECH annual trade show. Revenue is generated through membership fees from distributors and reference commissions from supplier partners.
Is EQIP a public or private company?
EQIP is a private company. It is classified as management employee owned and is currently operating.
When was EQIP founded?
EQIP was founded in 2016. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is EQIP based?
EQIP is headquartered in Paris, France, in the Europe region.
How does EQIP make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Member Network Fees are the primary driver. The others are supplier Reference Fees.
Who are EQIP's main competitors?
Travis Perkins is listed as a regional player. Broad incumbents are Point.P, Würth, Sonepar and Leroy Merlin. Direct peers are BigMat, Ciffreo Bona, Socoda, Gedimat and Qama.
Does EQIP have an API?
No public API is recorded for EQIP.
What industry is EQIP in?
EQIP's product category is Hardware Distribution Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAFAHAF, Office Supplies, IT & Workplace Procurement Marketplaces. Its NAICS code is 42344 and its SIC code is 5072.