Onelec, a recognised expert in the distribution of electrical equipment and fire protection systems, has completed an initial funding round with Crédit Mutuel Equity to prepare for the future and secure its growth. The founding President, Alain Bahuon, who wishes to step down within the next 3 to four 4, intends to ensure a smooth transition of the company to his two senior executives, Jean-Christophe Urtado, Managing Director, and Jérémy Pialat, Finance Director. The group, based in Andrézieux-Bouthéon in the Loire region, expects to achieve a turnover of €40 million by 2026.
Founded in 2006, Onelec specialises in the distribution of electrical supplies and fire safety equipment to the residential market, serving a client base including private individuals, tradespeople, micro-businesses and SMEs, via various distribution channels such as DIY superstores, specialist distributors and online marketplaces.
Beyond simply reselling products, Onelec has structured itself to offer a comprehensive and integrated service. It provides agility and responsiveness, as well as packaging and assembly services, product design proposals, product showcase in catalogues, and product storage and distribution. This 360-degree approach enables suppliers and clients to benefit from a turnkey solution, thereby optimising their value chain and operational efficiency.
The group, which employs 49 people, distributes a wide range of leading brands such as Siemens, Wago, Eaton and Ray Tech, with which it has forged strong strategic partnerships. The director also sought to develop his own brands:
- Batilec, which offers a wide range of heating, ventilation, electrical panels and accessories, as well as flush-mounted and waterproof equipment,
- Evacuate, which provides fire protection and prevention equipment, including fire extinguishers, smoke and CO₂ detectors, which are essential for the safety of people and facilities.
The French market remains the group’s main driver, accounting for nearly 90% of turnover. The remainder of its business is spread across Europe, with a focus on Spain, where it has a subsidiary and a warehouse. Onelec operates primarily in the DIY retail sector, supplying major players in the industry: Brico Dépôt, Leroy Merlin, Castorama, Mr Bricolage, Entrepôt du bricolage, Weldom, Bricoman, Bricomarché and Les Briconautes, which account for 70% of its turnover. The professional market and e-commerce have seen strong growth in recent years thanks to the establishment of dedicated structures and services.
As part of the management transition and to ensure a smooth and well-prepared handover, Onelec’s President aims to set the group on the right track.
“I have chosen a strong financial partner to help me structure the governance, with the top management and a few executives from the management team taking a stake in the company. This initial transaction also enables us on the one hand to strengthen the group’s development organically, through the roll-out of our Batilec brand, the reorganisation of our logistics operations with a planned investment in new assembly and packaging machinery, and the implementation of a WMS, and on the other hand, to remain open to external growth opportunities,” explains Alain Bahuon, who is targeting a turnover of €60 million within four years.
“Onelec is a fine SME with a track record of steady growth, regardless of market fluctuations. Led by pragmatic and agile managers, the group stands out for its business model, which is built around a range of specific services, strong strategic partnerships with leading suppliers, and a fast-growing portfolio of proprietary brands. By investing our own capital, we will be able to support the group in its transition to the next generation of leaders over a timeframe tailored to their needs, so that it can continue on its growth trajectory, both organically and through targeted acquisitions,” adds Stéphane Simoncini of Crédit Mutuel Equity.