Iplan joins Vulcain Engineering Group: a leap towards internationalization.

In a strategic move that marks a turning point in its trajectory, IPlanGestión announced its addition to Vulcain Engineering Group, one of the most important engineering groups in Europe. This integration represents a milestone in the evolution of the Catalan company, thus expanding its international reach and reinforcing its technical capacity to face the challenges of the energy transition.

The transaction, formalized in September 2023, places Iplan within a global ecosystem of more than 6,000 professionals with a presence in 16 countries and a turnover exceeding 600 million euros in 2024. This strategic alliance not only enhances Iplan Gestión's capacity for innovation, but it also opens up new opportunities for both its clients and its team of professionals.

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Who is Vulcain Engineering Group?

Vulcain Engineering Group is much more than an engineering company: it is a European reference in multisectoral consulting with a clear vision towards sustainability and innovation. Founded on a philosophy based on positive impact, Vulcain works in strategic sectors such as renewable energy, transport, industry, the naval sector and life sciences.

The French group has consolidated its position with strategic acquisitions, with Iplan Gestión being the first Spanish company dedicated especially to the transmission and distribution of electrical energy, which also represents an important step for the multinational. Its business model combines the proximity of local teams with the support of an international structure, allowing complex projects to be developed anywhere in the world.

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Innovation and sustainability as core values

Vulcain Engineering stands out for its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the principles of the Global Compact. The company integrates ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria into all its processes, making it a strategic partner for companies seeking to lead decarbonization and digital transformation.

With a multisectoral approach, Vulcain participates in projects ranging from nuclear plants to renewable energy facilities, transportation infrastructure and pharmaceutical developments. This diversification allows the group to offer comprehensive solutions that cover the entire life cycle of a project, from conceptualization to start-up.

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The addition of Iplan: more than an acquisition

For Iplan, joining Vulcain Engineering Group means much more than being part of an international group of companies. It is the opportunity to multiply your technical capacities, access larger and larger projects, and offer your customers more complete and competitive solutions. At the same time, Iplan was the first Spanish company to be acquired and the first to specialize in energy networks with large customers, which means the consolidation of a new sector for the French group.

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What does Vulcain bring to Iplan?

The alliance with Vulcain provides Iplan with several key strategic benefits:

• Global dimension with local roots. Iplan maintains its identity, team and closeness to the client, but now has the support of an international structure that allows it to participate in global projects. This combination of local agility and international reach creates unique synergies in business development and project execution.
• ‍Access to new markets and sectors. Vulcain's presence in more than 15 countries opens Iplan's doors to European, African and Middle Eastern markets. In addition, the group's sectoral diversification makes it possible to explore opportunities in areas such as the naval sector, industrial processes or life sciences, complementing Iplan's traditional experience in energy and civil engineering infrastructures.‍
• Advanced technology and methodologies. Vulcain provides proven project management methodologies in highly complex infrastructures, as well as access to state-of-the-art digital tools. This includes BIM (Building Information Modeling) systems, digital twin platforms and artificial intelligence solutions applied to engineering.‍
• Increased multidisciplinary capacity. The integration allows Iplan to offer complementary services that previously required external collaborations. Now, under the Vulcain umbrella, customers have access to specialists in areas as diverse as industrial process engineering, automation systems, industrial cybersecurity or bioengineering.

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Direct benefits for Iplan customers

Joining Vulcain isn't just a corporate transaction: it has a tangible and positive impact for all Iplan customers, who can now benefit from:

• ‍Comprehensive and turnkey solutions. The ability to approach projects from multiple disciplines allows us to offer complete services, from feasibility studies to start-up and operation. This vision optimizes costs, shortens deadlines and ensures greater consistency in all phases of the project.‍
• Participation in international projects. Iplan customers who have a presence or interests in other European countries can now count on the same level of service and quality in those locations, taking advantage of Vulcain's network of offices.‍
• Innovation applied to the energy transition. Vulcain is at the forefront of emerging technologies such as green hydrogen, CO2 capture, smart grids and energy storage. Iplan can now transfer these innovations to its projects, helping its customers to anticipate industry trends.‍
• Increased financial strength and investment capacity. The support of a group with more than 600 million euros in turnover provides stability and capacity to tackle larger projects that require significant financial guarantees.

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A change of phase for the founders of Iplan Gestión

The integration into Vulcain coincided with a symbolic moment for Iplan: the retirement of Javier and Josefina, founders of the company. For more than a decade, both led Iplan with a vision focused on three fundamental pillars: technical quality, transparency in management and commitment to the environment and society.

His legacy is not limited to the projects executed or the certifications obtained. The founders built a business culture based on respect for people, continuous training and social responsibility. These values, deeply rooted in Iplan's DNA, are still present in every strategic and operational decision of the company.

The retirement of the founders marks the end of one phase, but also the opening of another one full of opportunities. Under the leadership of Ricard Querol i Romaguera, current CEO of Iplan Gestión and the Iplan Group, the company is ready to face the challenges of the future while maintaining the essence that has characterized it since its inception.

“We share values and vision with Vulcain: innovation, sustainability and customer orientation. This alliance allows us to multiply our impact and contribute more decisively to the energy transition and the digitalization of the industry”. — Ricard Querol i Romaguera, CEO of the Iplan Group.

Alban Guilloteau - CEO of Vulcain Engineering Group - highlights the strategic importance of the incorporation of Iplan: “This strategic acquisition represents a fantastic opportunity for both parties. In particular, it will allow VulcainEngineering Group to reinforce its experience in electrical (transmission and distribution) and renewable grid projects and expand its presence in Spain.”

Links:

Vulcain Engineering Group corporate website

Baker Tilly advises iPlan on its sale to Vulcain Engineering Group

Launch Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvkw_dCNuoQ