10th Mar 2026 10:44
(Alliance News) - Grafton Group PLC on Tuesday said it will acquire 100% of Irish timber frame solution supplier Cygnum for an undisclosed amount "in line with market precedents", pending regulatory approval by the Irish Competition & Consumer Protection Commission.
The Dublin-based distributor of building materials said the transaction is expected to be "earnings-enhancing" in its first full financial year following the acquisition "and to deliver an attractive return on invested capital".
Cygnum reported revenue of EUR45.6 million, and an adjusted operating profit of EUR7.9 million, in its 2025 financial year. Its management team will remain in place following the acquisition, and "are incentivised to grow profitability subject to certain performance conditions".
Grafton intends to operate Cygnum as part of its Chadswicks Group distribution business in Ireland, seeking to "extend its offering and acquire adjacent competencies" while allowing it to be a "one-stop shop" for customers in the construction market.
"Modular construction is one of the fastest growing building methods in the new homes market in Ireland", Grafton said as the rationale behind the acquisition.
"Sustained growth has been fuelled by the cost, quality and delivery efficiencies of timber frame, a trend that is expected to continue over the next decade as Ireland seeks to address a structural housing shortage. With just over 36,000 homes completed in Ireland in 2025 and a government target of 60,000 homes to be completed annually by 2030, Cygnum is an exciting addition to Grafton's portfolio in the Island of Ireland segment," it added.
Grafton's Chief Executive Officer Eric Born said: "This acquisition strongly complements Chadwicks Group's trade portfolio and supports the faster, more efficient delivery of new homes to help address Ireland's structural housing shortage. For Grafton, it provides an opportunity to increase our exposure to the new-build market and to support Cygnum customers with access to a broader range of construction related products and solutions."
Grafton shares were up 2.0% to 911.20 pence each on Tuesday morning in London.
By Martin Miraglia, Alliance News reporter
Comments and questions to [email protected]
Copyright 2026 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Related Shares:
Grafton Group