2026-04-01 8L Factory Systemes logo

Factory Systemes Groupe Acquires 8L Software Solutions

01.04.2026

Paris, April 1st, 2026 - Factory Systemes Groupe, a Sonepar company, announces the acquisition of 8L Software Solutions BV, a leading distributor of industrial software solutions in the Benelux and Scandinavian regions. This strategic move reinforces the Group’s ambition to support manufacturers and infrastructure operators in accelerating their digital transformation, improving operational resilience and advancing sustainability objectives.

Headquartered in The Netherlands, 8L Software Solutions supports more than 3,000 customers across multiple industrial sectors. The company provides advanced software solutions that enable organizations to optimize operations, enhance data-driven decision-making and improve the efficiency and sustainability of industrial assets.

As part of its continued development, 8L Software Solutions has also entered into a renewed partnership agreement with Aveva. This expanded collaboration strengthens its ability to support end-users, OEMs and system integrators with flexible and scalable digital solutions, ranging from entry-level HMI systems to enterprise-wide, cloud-based industrial data management platforms. These technologies play a critical role in helping organizations unlock the value of operational data, deploy AI-driven analytics and build more agile and energy-efficient operations.

Following completion of the transaction, the company will be renamed Factory Software, reflecting its integration into Factory Systemes Groupe’s European ecosystem of industrial software expertise.

“We are proud to join Factory Systemes Groupe, the leading industrial software distributor in Europe,” said Eric van Nipsen, Managing Director of 8L Software Solutions. “This new chapter will enable us to further expand our capabilities and better support our customers and partners as they navigate the challenges of Industry 4.0, data integration and sustainable industrial performance.”

“This expansion in Benelux and Scandinavia represents a significant milestone for Factory Systemes Groupe,” commented Thierry Bonte, President of Factory Systemes Groupe. “8L Software Solutions’s talented team shares our strong customer-centric culture and deep technical expertise. By combining our strengths, we will accelerate the exchange of best practices across our European network and further enhance the level of expertise we provide to more than 5,000 customers as they pursue digitalization, operational excellence and sustainability.”

8L Software Solutions has operated in Benelux since 1995 before acquiring Schneider Electric Software entities in Scandinavia in 2021. With a track record of successful and reliable long-term relationships with end-users, OEMs and Systems Integrators, the company is recognized for its deep expertise in guiding customers in selecting and implementing the appropriate solutions based on their challenges and digital maturity.

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2026-03-26 ChangeNOW CP

Sonepar Announces the Deployment of Two Major Sustainability Initiatives at the ChangeNOW Summit

26.03.2026

Paris, March 26, 2026 — Sonepar, the world leader in B2B distribution of electrical equipment, solutions, and services, will take part for the first time in the ChangeNOW summit, the world’s largest event dedicated to solutions for the planet, held from March 30 to April 1, 2026, at the Grand Palais in Paris.

On this occasion, the Group is unveiling two major initiatives designed to accelerate the promotion of sustainable solutions in the electrical distribution sector and support its customers in managing their carbon footprint and reducing their environmental impact.

Launch of the Product Carbon footprint assessment tool

Building on its first solution deployed in 2023, Sonepar is announcing the launch of Product Carbon, its new tool for measuring the carbon footprint of products. The tool relies on manufacturer-reported data when available, or on estimates produced using an AI-powered CO₂ emissions modeling algorithm. Product-level carbon information is already available on the Group’s e-commerce platforms in Belgium and Finland for products covered by the Product Carbon tool.

The Group will soon take another step forward: in addition to carbon data, further environmental information will be requested from suppliers to provide customers with more accurate environmental indicators and enable them to integrate environmental criteria into their purchasing decisions.

Expanded sustainability training portfolio

Sonepar is also expanding its training portfolio to strengthen its sales teams’ expertise in promoting the most responsible solutions. With this initiative, Sonepar aims to have the best-trained sales professionals in the electrical distribution sector when it comes to promoting sustainable solutions and effectively supporting customers’ transition efforts.

The Group has invited its suppliers to share their training modules focused on sustainable products and solutions. From these contributions, by June 2026, Sonepar will select the most relevant modules to complement its internal program which will be mandatory for all sales teams. The goal is twofold: ensuring a consistent and high level of expertise across the Group and enabling customers to benefit from comprehensive support, based on a strong understanding of environmental challenges.

“Participating for the first time in the ChangeNOW summit marks an important milestone for our Group. This flagship event offers us an opportunity to publicly reaffirm our commitments and engage with all stakeholders involved in the energy transition. Sonepar intends to position itself as a true influencer in promoting the most sustainable solutions in the electrical distribution sector. To achieve this, we act across the entire value chain, in partnership with our suppliers, by mobilizing and training our associates, and in service of our customers,” said Jessica Lam, SVP Sustainability.

Practical information

Jessica Lam will speak at a panel discussion on Tuesday, March 31 at 9:30 a.m. on the theme: “Engaging all Stakeholders across the Value Chain.”

More information: https://www.changenow.world/fr/

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2025-03-24 Key figures Picture

Sonepar Sets New Records in 2025 With €33.6 billion Sales and Market Leadership

24.03.2026

Paris, March 24, 2026 – Sonepar delivered record sales of €33.6 billion in 2025 and strengthened its profitability despite a challenging global economic environment.

Electrification is driving new opportunities for Sonepar worldwide, with strong growth across key sectors such as industrial automation, energy storage, grid and infrastructures modernization and rapidly expanding data centers. Sonepar registered over €1.5 billion in sales for the data center market, underscoring the Group’s commitment to innovation and industry leadership. 

Sonepar’s performance in 2025 is the result of a bold transformation strategy launched in 2021, executed with discipline and fueled by the dedication of engaged teams across the globe. The company has solidified its leadership position throughout the Americas and continues to advance its digitalization, supply chain modernization, and sustainability initiatives. Guided by its Purpose, Sonepar is not only reinventing its own business but is also reshaping the future of the B-to-B electrical distribution industry,” commented Philippe Delpech, Sonepar President & CEO. 

Advanced digital technologies are transforming Sonepar’s operations, driving enhancements in customer engagement, associate experience, and supply chain performance. Artificial Intelligence (AI), as the third phase of Transformation, plays a pivotal role in optimizing critical business processes, including sales order automation, demand planning, and inventory management, enabling Sonepar to deliver greater efficiency and value across its global network.

“We have made tremendous progress on our digital enterprise agenda, strengthening our capabilities through advanced data insights and AI technology that Sonepar is deploying fast and at scale. Our online sales soared to €12.3 billion in 2025, fueled by Spark - Sonepar’s state-of-the-art omnichannel platform -which delivered an impressive 50% revenue growth compared to 2024. Supply chain modernization remains a key focus, with 37 automated distribution centers now operational across the globe, further enhancing efficiency and service quality. This transformation underpins Sonepar’s commitment to growth supported by continuous education, enabling the ongoing upskilling of all associates across the Group. I thank all of Sonepar’s associates for their hard work and commitment in delivering our 2025 results,” added Philippe Delpech.

In 2025, Sonepar delivered strong achievements across all three regions and continued its strategic expansion by acquiring 10 new companies, contributing €245 million in sales. The Group prioritized the seamless integration of its 2024 acquisitions, which together accounted for €2.2 billion in revenues. A notable achievement was the consolidation of five American companies into a unified entity under Echo Electric, a single brand to service customers and grow across the mid-central region in the USA. 

Americas

Sonepar is now the leader in its core B2B electrical distribution business across the American continent, with €17 billion in sales spanning eight countries and delivered strong growth in sales with historically high EBIT performance and cash generation. In Brazil, four strategic acquisitions further established Sonepar as the leader in industrial automation. In the USA, revenues surged 15% year-over-year, and digital sales accounted for 33% of total revenues. Sonepar USA obtained the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 Level 2 Advanced certification. With this milestone, Sonepar provides its customers with a compliant, reliable, and secure platform for managing sensitive federally regulated government supply projects, and critical utilities infrastructures. 

Europe

Sonepar achieved a significant milestone in its digital transformation, with digital sales now representing 45% of the region’s total revenue - a year-on-year increase of 2.5 percentage points. This accomplishment highlights Sonepar’s ongoing commitment to advancing its digital business and reinforcing its leadership in the European market. In Italy, Sonepar entered a new growth phase by appointing a single Country President to oversee its two companies, establishing a cohesive leadership and strategic roadmap aimed at achieving €3 billion in revenue. Across Europe, 80% of picking lines are now fully automated thanks to the opening of four new automated distribution centers in Spain, France, and the Netherlands. Spain is also nearing completion of a third automated distribution center in Madrid, further accelerating Sonepar’s supply‑chain transformation, supporting the integration of our four recent acquisitions and preparing the launch of Spark - the Group’s omnichannel platform - as the Iberic region moves towards becoming a €1 billion revenue platform for Sonepar.

APAC

Australia opened two automated regional fulfilment centers in Brisbane and Melbourne and recorded a 28% increase in sales. Sonepar continues to expand in India through acquisitions while delivering a strong profitable organic growth. In China, despite the adverse economic conditions for foreign brands distributors, Sonepar maintained growth. 

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United by a shared purpose – Powering Progress for Future Generations – Sonepar’s 46,000 associates are advancing the Group’s sustainability commitments. In 2025, Sonepar earned a Platinum EcoVadis rating, placing the Group among the top 1% worldwide, and submitted its environmental data to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) for the first time, receiving a B score. These milestones reflect strong climate action, rigorous data management, and transparent reporting.

In line with the Group’s Purpose, Sonepar strengthened its commitment to inclusive value sharing. In 2024, the company launched its first annual free share allocation program, initiated by Colam Entreprendre, Sonepar’s shareholder. This plan allocates free shares each year to all associates with at least three years of seniority,  with no financial contribution required. By 2025, more than 28,000 associates have become potential shareholders. This long-term initiative reflects Sonepar’s dedication to aligning the interests of the Group, its shareholders, and its associates, and to fostering a culture of inclusivity and shared success.

2025 achievements mark another decisive step in Sonepar’s transformation journey. As the Group continues to invest in innovation, digital capabilities, sustainability, and talent, it is well‑positioned to support customers worldwide and pursue long‑term, profitable, and responsible growth. 

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2024-sonepar-key-figures

Sonepar Announces 2024 Key Figures

24.03.2025

Sonepar, the world leader in B2B distribution of electrical equipment, solutions, and services has reported sales of €32.5 Bn for the year ended December 31, 2024. 

In 2024, Sonepar acquired 17 new companies representing combined sales of €2.2 Bn, of which 90% in North America. The Group is today, in its core business, the leader on the American continent with sales of €16 Bn spanning 8 countries.

Sonepar continued to accelerate its transformation on a global scale, making progress in sustainability, social responsibility, supply chain, and digital. 

The Group achieved €11 Bn digital sales in 2024 leveraging its omnichannel digital platform, Spark, which saw a revenue increase of 30%. As part of its supply chain modernization program, Sonepar completed 10 new automated distribution centers around the world. 

In 2024, the Group was awarded a Silver rating in sustainability by EcoVadis, placing it in the top 15% of rated companies. 

Sonepar’s associate satisfaction survey revealed a strong 82% engagement rate, and the Group ranked in the Financial Times’ “Leaders of Diversity” list for the second year running. Eager to attract new talent to support its ambitious transformation, Sonepar aims to build an inclusive and performing organization leveraging all differences as strengths.

All 46, 000 Sonepar associates are united through a unique Purpose, “Powering Progress for Future Generations”, which was revealed to the public in 2024. Sonepar also received the Purpose Trophy, awarded by The Why Project, which recognizes the commitment of companies and their leaders to a purpose that aligns with contemporary societal and environmental goals. 

 

“The Group achieved solid financial results despite a highly uncertain geopolitical situation, supported by excellent performance in the Americas. Our teams worldwide have shown exceptional adaptability, delivering remarkable strategic and operational results. We continue to drive impactful transformation to accelerate our global leadership in B-to-B electrical distribution, all united by our unique Purpose.”

Philippe Delpech, Sonepar President & CEO.

2024-sonepar-key-figures

2024 Sonepar Group Key Figures

Leading the market:

  • #1 world leader
  • €32.5 Bn sales
  • €11 Bn online sales

With a powerful network:

  • 40 countries
  • 46,000 associates
  • 82% associate engagement rate
  • 90 brands
  • 190 distribution centers
  • 2,400 branches

For a positive impact:

  • United by our Purpose “Powering Progress for Future Generations”
  • EcoVadis Silver rating. Sonepar is in the top 15% of rated companies.

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