Legrand expands Australian footprint with PVC conduit maker buy

Global electrical and digital infrastructure company Legrand has acquired Australian Plastic Profiles (APP), a maker of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) conduits and ducting, headquartered in Sydney.

The acquisition doubles the France headquartered Legrand's size in the Australian market. 

Australian Plastic Profiles, with reported sales of approximately AU$170 million in FY24, is a top player in the local PVC conduit market across electrical and plumbing sectors.

The company operates under two brands: AussieDuct for electrical products and Pipe King for plumbing operations, specialising in PVC extrusion and injection moulding for both small and large-scale projects.

APP boasts a strong national footprint with its headquarters and substantial manufacturing facility in Caringbah, Sydney, along with seven warehouses located around Australia.

The company employs close to 250 people and has an extensive presence with electrical and plumbing wholesalers, participating in a range of residential, commercial, industrial, healthcare, utilities and infrastructure projects.

"Legrand's global strategic roadmap centres on organic growth driven by innovation and targeted acquisitions. Australian Plastic Profiles joining our portfolio of strong brands and products demonstrates our confidence in, and ambitions for, the Australian and New Zealand market," Palash Nandy, chief executive of Legrand ANZ said.

This acquisition marks Legrand's largest investment in the ANZ region since acquiring HPM in 2007.

It follows the recent acquisitions of VASS, an Australian specialist in Busway power distribution solutions, in June 2024, and Mechanical Support Systems (MSS), a New Zealand market leader in cable management solutions, in December 2023.

Managing director of Australian Plastic Profiles John Hills said that partnering with a global company and market leader such as Legrand allows APP to benefit from their international footprint, robust investment in research and development, and strong industry presence.

It also allows Legrand to achieve more balance between residential and non-residential business, as APP's products are fundamental to the electrical and plumbing infrastructure of buildings.

Legrand Australia, as part of the global Legrand network, designs, manufactures and distributes over 15,000 items under six premium brands.

This represents 40 per cent of Legrand's local revenue.

It also maintains a dedicated R&D team that designs products and solutions specifically suited to the needs of the ANZ market.

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval.