EQIP

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.

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

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

• Hardware distribution network
• Building supplies wholesale
• Industrial supplies distribution
• Professional hardware dealers
• Cooperative purchasing group

Headquarters

HQ city

Paris

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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

Core 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.

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

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

• FESTOOLcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2025Premium 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.
• BoschmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Major power tools and hardware brand included in the EQIP supplier portfolio across multiple product categories including power tools and accessories.
• DeWaltmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Professional power tools brand featured in the EQIP supplier network, serving construction and industrial professionals through member distribution points.
• MakitamajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Major power tools manufacturer included in the EQIP supplier portfolio with full product range for building professionals.
• MilwaukeemajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Professional power tools brand included in the EQIP supplier network serving industrial and construction markets.
• FacommajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Premium French professional hand tools brand included in the EQIP supplier portfolio, specializing in workshop equipment and precision tools.
• ManitoumajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Material handling equipment manufacturer (forklifts, aerial work platforms) featured in EQIP network's handling/rangement category under general expenses partnerships.
• ManitoumajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Forklift and material handling equipment brand with ME LIFT lithium-powered range featured in partner news section, targeting logistics, manufacturing, and construction sectors.
• AyvensminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Fleet management and mobility solutions provider in the EQIP General Expenses (Frais Généraux) category, offering preferential rates to member distributors for vehicle fleet management.
• EuropcarminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Vehicle rental services provider in EQIP General Expenses category, offering preferential rates to member distributors for vehicle rental needs.
• TotalEnergiesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Energy provider in EQIP General Expenses category offering preferential fuel rates to member distributors for vehicle fleets.
• DB SchenkerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Logistics and freight forwarding services provider in EQIP General Expenses category supporting member distribution operations.
• DPDminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Express parcel delivery services provider in EQIP General Expenses category serving member distribution network logistics needs.
• HeppnerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025French logistics and transport services provider in EQIP General Expenses category supporting member distribution operations.
• AdeccominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Temporary staffing and recruitment agency in EQIP General Expenses category, offering preferential rates to member distributors for workforce needs.
• ManpowerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Staffing and recruitment services provider in EQIP General Expenses category offering preferential rates to member distributors.
• JungheinrichminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Warehouse and materials handling equipment manufacturer (forklifts, racking) in EQIP General Expenses category supporting member logistics infrastructure.
• Kuehne+NagelminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Global logistics and supply chain management company in EQIP General Expenses category serving member distribution network needs.
• EuromasterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Professional 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.
• HiKOKImajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Power tools manufacturer formerly known as Hitachi Power Tools, included in EQIP supplier portfolio for power tools and accessories.
• KnipexmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Premium German hand tools manufacturer specializing in pliers and cutting tools, included in EQIP supplier network.
• TivolymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025French precision tooling manufacturer included in EQIP supplier portfolio for cutting tools and drill bits.
• Assa AbloymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Global door opening solutions provider including locks, cylinders, and access control systems, featured in EQIP locking and automation product category.
• 3MmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Diversified technology company providing abrasives, adhesives, and safety products included in EQIP consumables and EPI categories.
• Delta PlusmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Personal protective equipment (PPE) manufacturer included in EQIP EPI/HPS product category serving building and industrial professionals.
• BostikmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Adhesives and sealants manufacturer included in EQIP fixation and sealing product categories.
• HenkelmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Adhesives, sealants, and surface treatment products (Loctite, Bonderite) included in EQIP fixation and consumables categories.
• SoudalmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Adhesives, sealants, and polyurethane foam manufacturer included in EQIP fixation and sealing product categories.
• DormakabamajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Door hardware, access control, and automated door systems manufacturer included in EQIP locking and automation category.
• Simpson Strong-TiemajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Structural building components and fastening systems manufacturer included in EQIP fixation and structural hardware categories.
• CamemajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Door automation and access control systems manufacturer included in EQIP locking and automation product category.
• FAACmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Automated barrier and gate systems manufacturer included in EQIP locking and automation category.
• FEDIS (historical predecessor)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016FEDIS 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)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016SEBA 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

Regional 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

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gie-eqip

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

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 EQIP