Construx Group strengthens its position with the acquisition of French CBE Group

Construx Group, the Belgian specialist in formwork systems for contractors and precast manufacturers, announces the acquisition of French company CBE Group, the world leader in moulds and carousel systems for the production of precast concrete tunnel segments. This strategic acquisition marks another step in Construx Group's growth trajectory, further reinforcing its position as a global reference in moulds, machinery and production lines for the precast concrete industry.​

European consolidation in a niche market

The formwork sector is a highly specialized niche market, dominated by European players. Since its start in 2003 by Anthony Jannes and Ward Demyttenaere, Construx has established a global presence with an extensive portfolio of formwork solutions for both precast and in-situ concrete structures.
Construx manages all engineering and manufacturing fully in-house and, as a true manufacturing company, operates nine production sites across Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Romania. Five of these locations also serve as rental hubs for modular formwork systems, enabling the group to provide flexible, project-driven support to its clients.

The acquisition of German automation specialist Weckenmann in 2023 was a key step in Construx’s buy & build strategy. With a consolidated turnover of €70 million and 380 employees in 2024, Construx became a global benchmark in moulds, machines and circulation lines for the precast concrete industry.
With successful reference projects in over 80 countries, Construx-Weckenmann has grown into one of the leading names in the global precast concrete sector. The group is currently delivering large-scale carousel installations for clients in the United Kingdom, Portugal, Canada and Poland, in addition to numerous formwork projects worldwide, ranging from the United States to New Zealand.

CBE Group: New expertise in segmental formwork and heavy lifting technologies

With the acquisition of CBE Group, comprising CBE France, Acimex France, CBE China and Acimex China, Construx adds a global market leader to its portfolio. CBE Group, based in Saint-Avertin (France), achieved a turnover of 28 million euros in 2024 with 310 employees and holds an undisputed leading position in formwork solutions and carousel systems for the production of precast tunnel segments. The production of the precast moulds used for the concrete segments of the Channel Tunnel is one of CBE's many flagship projects. The acquisition marks Construx’s entry into a new market segment and adds four additional production facilities to its already impressive industrial capacity. Furthermore, through its subsidiary Acimex, Construx gains access to specialized heavy lifting technologies, with vacuum technology playing a central role. This expands the group's technological capabilities and opens doors to new markets and applications.

Integrating market leaders while preserving brand strength

The integration of CBE Group aligns with Construx’s clear vision of building a group of strong, complementary brands. Construx, Weckenmann, CBE and Acimex are all one of the leaders in their respective fields. Their collaboration creates a unique combination of scale, technical expertise and market coverage. The management team will actively focus on creating synergies between the companies to accelerate innovation, product development and international growth.
The operational presence of CBE and Acimex in China provides a solid foundation for Construx Group’s international expansion, offering direct access to growth markets with untapped potential. For CBE and Acimex, this integration is a natural continuation of their successful growth journey under former CEO Philippe Samama, while safeguarding their brand identity and operational autonomy.

Shaping the Future of Concrete – €100 million turnover, 700 employees

With the acquisition of CBE Group, Construx Group's consolidated turnover will rise to approximately €100 million, and the group will employ nearly 700 people worldwide. Construx Group remains 100% owned by its founders and management team, with Julien Travers, as a co-owner, taking on the role of CEO of CBE Group and its subsidiaries. Remaining true to its mission “Shaping the Future of Concrete”, this strategic acquisition is seen as another step forward in the group’s ambitious growth journey. The founders do not exclude further expansions and investments in the near future.