Breton transport and logistics specialist Eonnet has just acquired Bernard Michel Transports, a family business based in the Deux-Sèvres region of France. Here is an explanation and analysis from the experts at AURIS Finance, a consultancy specialising in mergers and acquisitions.
In France, the transport sector is undergoing further consolidation. The latest development is the acquisition of Bernard Michel Transport by Eonnet Group. Based in Périgné (near Niort), the company specialises in the hire of chauffeur-driven lorries to major corporate clients, including supermarkets and the La Poste group. Since 1996, Bernard Michel has been part of the Tred Union haulage group, which now covers 75% of France.
Carve-outs
The divestment of Transports Michel is part of the group’s gradual carve-out strategy. In the first quarter of 2024, the bulk division of Transports Michel was sold to the Brangeon Group. At the beginning of 2025, Eonnet Group will take over Transports Bernard Michel’s activities. The takeover involves a turnover of €7 million, 65 employees and 60 vehicles, mainly located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Pays de la Loire regions.
Twenty-ninth acquisition
This latest acquisition will consolidate Eonnet’s position in the Niort area. The Breton group, founded in 1996 by Daniel Eonnet, specialises in the rental of industrial vehicles with or without drivers, refrigerated transport, transport of dry bulk and logistics. Eonnet has pursued an acquisition-based growth strategy: 29 acquisitions in total, the most recent of which date back to 2023, with the acquisition of Transports Burlot in Côtes-d’Armor, then TB Transports in Morbihan. The acquisition of Transports Bernard Michel marks the 29th acquisition, bringing the total to 1,600 employees and 1,100 vehicles, with a turnover of €160 million.
Territorial network
In order to meet the needs of its key account customers, Eonnet has implemented a strategy of subsidiaries. There are approximately thirty subsidiaries in total, covering a range of localities: TFR in Ille-et-Vilaine, STAR in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Beauvois in Nord and ACJR in Cher. This organisational structure has been established through successive acquisitions, enabling the group to position itself in close proximity to its clients.
Our experts at your service
The road transport sector is currently undergoing a transformation, and must adapt to changes in regulations, climate and technology. Against this backdrop, mergers between industry players are intensifying. Smaller hauliers are joining forces with larger entities in order to gain the scale they need to make structural changes, such as making their fleets greener. To achieve this, large groups are trying to reach critical mass through acquisitions. In a move that echoes Bernard Michel Transport’s strategic approach, smaller companies in the road transport sector are now being targeted by larger competitors, eager to acquire entities with a strong local presence. AURIS Finance’s experts are specialised by sector. Whether you are selling or buying, we are at your side to help you identify your target, structure your financing and manage your post-transaction activities.
