After 40 years in the construction industry, including 25 years abroad and in Flanders, Philippe Fourneau has developed in-depth knowledge of the sector. He explains the specificities of the construction industry and how BestValue positions itself as a reference in business transfers within this field.
Philippe Fourneau, could you first tell us about your professional journey?
After earning my civil engineering degree, I worked for the company Besix on construction projects in the Middle East. I then enhanced my training with a management course, which led me to steer my career towards general management with a focus on international marketing. This led to my first experience as CEO when I founded the French subsidiary of a UK-based group specializing in construction technical products.
Fifteen years ago, I founded a consulting company aimed at helping small and medium-sized businesses in Wallonia expand internationally. Fun fact: This was my first professional experience in Wallonia! At the same time, five years ago, I participated in the creation of BestValue as a partner. My role mainly involves developing business within the broader construction industry, ranging from building materials production to real estate agencies, including engineering firms, construction companies, and distributors.
From a business transfer perspective, what can you tell us about the construction sector in Wallonia?
Today, we know that there are 9,000 companies employing staff in the sector, with about 20,000 self-employed workers. According to a study by IWEPS, over the next five years, no less than 1,500 businesses in the sector will be up for sale simply because their leaders are approaching retirement age. Construction is the second sector with the highest number of businesses to be transferred (after the industry sector, believe it or not!). However, this does not indicate that the companies are struggling—quite the opposite! The companies for sale in the sector are often healthy, and their leaders are excellent technicians. These businesses, therefore, present great opportunities for potential buyers, especially since construction is a stable sector that, despite a certain traditionalism, is beginning to transform thanks to numerous technological advancements. All of this makes the sector particularly attractive.
Is business transfer a key issue for Belgian policymakers?
There is a growing awareness from public authorities about the importance of business transfers. Transferring a business helps preserve jobs and sustain valuable expertise. Ultimately, policymakers realize that maintaining healthy businesses that exist, in addition to fostering the creation of technological start-ups, is an excellent strategy for the economy. This is evident from the many aids implemented by the Walloon Region to encourage business transfers in our territory.
What are BestValue’s strengths in all of this?
Generally speaking, it is beneficial to be supported by a business transfer firm like BestValue because, even before the steps related to the business transfer itself, our team can provide its knowledge and expertise to conduct a thorough assessment of the company that is to be sold. Based on this diagnostic, improvements can be made to increase the value of the company. In this context, I have even obtained certification from the Walloon Region for “business growth and development” matters.
Furthermore, and more specifically, BestValue has many references within the construction sector. Thanks to this experience, we know the market price. These assignments have led us to work with both sellers and buyers who wish to assess the value of the company they are about to acquire.
In addition to these team-specific skills, I bring an experience that combines construction and management, which allows me to bridge the gap between the two worlds. In a way, I act as a facilitator. This is a significant advantage during a transaction: the entrepreneur meets someone who understands their business and speaks their language. This is a major asset for BestValue.
