Eiffage
| Company type | Société Anonyme |
|---|---|
| Industry | Civil engineering, Construction |
| Predecessor | Fougerolle, Quillery, Beugnet, SAE |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Headquarters | France , France |
Area served | Europe |
| Products | Construction, Civil engineering, Renewable energy projects |
Eiffage S.A. () is a prominent French company specializing in civil engineering and construction. As of 2010, it held the position of the third largest construction firm in France and ranked fifth across Europe within its industry.
History
Eiffage was established in 1992 through the consolidation of four historic companies: Fougerolle (founded in 1844), Quillery (1863), Beugnet (1871), and SAE (1924), merging decades of expertise in the sector.
To broaden its market presence, Eiffage has frequently engaged in strategic partnerships. Notably, in 2009, it teamed up with British company Carillion to pursue opportunities in the nuclear energy sector. Later, in 2015, Eiffage formed a joint venture with Carillion and Kier Group to participate in the UK's High Speed 2 rail infrastructure project. In 2016, alongside Australian Macquarie Group, it acquired a 46.1% share in the French A41 autoroute concession ADELAC for €130 million. Additionally, Eiffage secured a €350 million contract together with Italian firm Saipem to develop marine infrastructure for the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim Field.
Growth through acquisitions has been a key strategy for Eiffage. In 2013, it purchased five companies previously owned by the insolvent Smulders Group. The following year, Eiffage acquired a majority 70% interest in Canadian firm Innovative Civil Constructors Inc. In 2018, it expanded into Switzerland by acquiring construction company Priora. Subsequently, during the early 2020s, Eiffage further extended its footprint in the Netherlands by acquiring several firms including Harwig, Eltra, and Ven den Pol Elektrotechniek. Most recently, in early 2024, it strengthened its presence in Germany’s energy sector through the acquisition of EQOS Energie.
Eiffage is actively involved in renewable energy initiatives such as hydroelectric power stations, wind energy farms, and solar power plants. Its portfolio has been enhanced by acquisitions that bolster its position in sustainable energy markets. The company also demonstrates commitment to eco-friendly construction practices, highlighted by its delivery of France’s tallest timber tower.
Throughout the early 2000s, Eiffage gradually increased its investment in Getlink, the operator of the Channel Tunnel. By October 2022, it had become Getlink’s largest shareholder with ownership of 20.76% of shares.
Major projects
- Channel Tunnel, finalized in 1994
- Copenhagen Metro, completed in 2002
- Millau Viaduct, inaugurated in 2004
- TGV Perpignan-Figueres high-speed rail, finished in 2009
- Stade Pierre-Mauroy, opened in 2012
- Cestas Solar Park, commissioned in 2015
- Renovation of Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon, concluded in 2018
Eiffage is actively engaged in the construction of HS2 segments C2 and C3 through a collaborative joint venture, with an anticipated completion date set for 2031. The firm also contributes to the consortium responsible for building Rail Baltica, the continuous railway connecting Tallinn (Estonia) to Warsaw (Poland). Additional ongoing railway projects include work on Paris Métro Line 15 and the Mont d'Ambin Base Tunnel.