Sonepar – Acquisition agreement signed for Cignoli Elettroforniture

EMR Analysis

More information on Sonepar: See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Philippe Delpech (Permanent Representative of Colam Entreprendre and President, Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Jérôme Baniol (Chief Financial Officer and M&A, Sonepar + Member of the Sonepar Executive Committee (SEC), Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

 

More information on Jérôme Malassigné (President Europe & Global Sourcing (SGS), Sonepar + Member of the Sonepar Executive Committee (SEC) + Member of the Executive Operating Committee (EOC) + Member of the Sonepar Strategic Committee (SSC) + Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

 

More information on Sonepar Italy: https://www.sonepar.it + Sonepar’s business in Italy began in 1988 with the acquisition of the Paduan Elettroingross, and then developed steadily through internal growth and a series of acquisitions. Today, Sonepar is a leader in B2B distribution of electrical equipment, solutions, and related services through its major companies Sonepar Italia, Sacchi and Elettroveneta. In 2024, Sonepar Italy recorded sales of €1,417M (€1,548M in 2023) with over 165 branches (170 in 2023) and 2,223 associates (2,300 in 2023). Sonepar Italy is made of 17 regions, 5 Distribution Centers and realize 27% of online Sales at € 375M (20% in 2023 at € 340M) and over 85,000 items in stock / 750,000 items on the e-commerce platform (700,000 in 2023).

Sonepar Italy is organized in 2 Territorial Business Areas: 

1. Territorial Business Area North: Lombardia, Veneto, Trentino Alto Adige, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Emilia Romagna, Toscana, Umbria and Marche
2. Territorial Business Area Central, South and Islands: Lazio, Abruzzo, Campania, Basilicata, Puglia, Molise, Calabria, Sicilia, Sardegna

Sonepar Italy is organized in 3 Business Areas:  

1. Industry (Industrial Automation,Power Distribution, Equipment and Consumables.)
2. Building (Lighting, Connected Solutions, Civil Installation and Cables)
3. Sustainability (Renewable Energy, Air Conditioning and Thermo-Hydraulics).

More information on Marco Giorgio Brunetti (President and Chief Executive Officer, Sacchi, Sonepar Italia, Sonepar  + President and Managing Director, Sonepar Italia, Sonepar + Member of the Sonepar Executive Committee (SEC), Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Andrea Dalla Vecchia (Director of Administration, Finance and Control, Sonepar Italia, Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Donato Fiore (Director of Human Resources, Sonepar Italy, Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Emanuele Decataldo (Legal & Compliance & Management, Sonepar Italia, Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Giovanni Maza (Vice President, Commercial, Sonepar Italia, Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Andrea Bernardinello (Director, Business Area North, Sonepar Italia, Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Dario Venturini (Director, Business Area Center, South and Islands, Sonepar Italia, Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Gianluca Matarazzo (Director, Key Accounts, Sonepar Italia, Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Davide Lombardi (Director, Business Unit Industry, Sonepar Italia, Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Enrico Lombardo (Director, Business Unit Sustainability & Building, Sonepar Italia, Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

 

EMR additional information on Sonepar Italia:

• Sacchi by Sonepar Italia by Sonepar: https://www.sacchi.it + Sacchi, founded in 1957, is a distributor of electrical installation, building automation, automation, lighting, and security throughout Northern Italy.
  • Sacchi, founded in 1957, is the largest distributor of electrical equipment in Northern Italy, thanks to an assortment of 2.5 million products and 80.000 items immediately available. With 500+ suppliers, 84 sales points and 1,400 employees, the company serves 50,000 customers (2024 Revenue: € 1bn). An excellent logistics service, specialized technical business units, the most advanced digital tools (e-commerce, and app) make Sacchi the ideal partner for companies operating in the market of electrical equipment, lighting and industrial automation. People make this possible: professionals who work together, with competence and passion. The value of people has allowed Sacchi to be certified as a Great Place to Work, among the best workplaces in Italy. Since 2017, Sacchi Group has been part of Sonepar Group. We are present in Northern Italy, with a technical-commercial organization made up of 700 specialists, two logistics centers and over 84 sales points of five different brands: Sacchi, Comel, DME and Demo and Elettric Center. The Sacchi Group also includes two Unieuro branded consumer electronics, household appliances and IT outlets.
    • More information on Marco Giorgio Brunetti (President and Chief Executive Officer, Sacchi, Sonepar Italia, Sonepar  + President and Managing Director, Sonepar Italia, Sonepar + Member of the Sonepar Executive Committee (SEC), Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services
      • COMEL Elettroforniture by Sacchi by Sonepar Italia by Sonepar: https://www.comelelettroforniture.it + Comel is a well-kown company based in the Northern part of Italy, with a focused presence between Lecco and Como. In addition to the best products on the market, the company offers a free specialized consultancy service: a team of skilled technicians supports customers in finding the most suitable installation solutions in various sectors, such as photovoltaics, lighting and switchboards. Wide range of products, quick service, technical consultancy: these are the strengths that the market has always recognized to Comel.
      • D.M.E. by Sacchi by Sonepar Italia by Sonepar: 10 stores under the D.M.E. brand, distributed in the provinces of Milan, Monza, Brianza and Pavia.
      • Demo S.p.A. by Sacchi by Sonepar Italia by Sonepar: Founded in 1997, Demo S.p.A., is based in Casale Monferrato and recorded an annual turnover of 118 M€ thanks to its 300 associates. Demo currently has 36 branches and a 24,000 sq. m logistics hub. Demo has always based its business on a number of main core values including a commitment to efficient customer service and passion for business, all of which have made the company successful and a firm point of reference in the area both for its customers and its suppliers.
      • Elettric Center by Sacchi by Sonepar Italia by Sonepar: https://www.elettricenter.com + Elettric Center, founded in 1992, based in Saint Christophe (Ao) and registered with a 2020 turnover of 10 million euros, sells electrical components, lighting solutions, anti-intrusion, automation, fire prevention, video door entry systems and home automation, addressing individuals and professionals in the Valle d’Aosta area.
      • Electro IB by Sacchi by Sonepar Italia by Sonepar: https://www.electroib.it/ + Electro IB has been active in the distribution of industrial automation components since 2001. With operations in the Brescia area and the neighboring provinces of Bergamo, Cremona, and Mantua, Electro IB aims to become a leading provider of automation solutions for various industrial sectors in Northern Italy: from die-casting to assembly, from the food industry to machining centers, from packaging to machine tools, transfers, and earthmoving. ElectroIB has been integrated into Sacchi in November 2025.
        • More information on Paul Bonomini (Founding Partner and General Manager, Electro IB, Sacchi, Sonepar Italia, Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services
      • Cignoli Elettroforniture by Sacchi by Sonepar Italia by Sonepar: https://www.cignoli.it/ + The Cignoli story begins in 1920s, when Attilio Cignoli opened his own business, specializing in the installation of industrial electrical systems.  Thanks to the acquisition of Zetalux, which within a few years would be replaced by the new Fin-Lux, the Cignoli group specialized in the supply of advanced automation technologies. Founded in 1937, Cignoli is a recognized leader in the industrial distribution market, with three branches, a team of 50 employees, and a turnover of approximately €20 million. The company stands out for its strong technical expertise and high level of specialization in automation, offering value-added services and dedicated consulting to industrial companies, system integrators, and machine builders. Cignoli Elettroforniture signed a binding agreement to be acquire d by Sacchi in March 2026.
        • More information on Paolo Cignoli (Chief Executive Officer, Cignoli Elettroforniture, Sacchi, Sonepar Italia, Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services
• Elettroveneta by Sonepar Italia by Sonepar: https://www.elettroveneta.it/ + Elettroveneta offers efficient solutions for more than 40 years: personalized electricity consulting, electrical products and materials and services. We cover the following areas: industrial automation and installation, lighting, green energy, smart home, security and civil installation.
  • Automation and industrial installation, lighting, green energy, smart home, security, civil installation: these are the pillars on which the Elettroveneta operating network is based. Founded in 1979, with the controlled companies Ferri Srl and H2A Srl is present in Triveneto, Emilia Romagna, Marche, Abruzzo e Molise. In 2018 it has developed a turnover exceeding 200 million € with 700 associates and a network of 46 branches. In 2023, Elettroveneta was present in 18 cities.
    • More information on Francesco Sferra (General Manager, Elettroveneta, Sonepar Italia, Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services
• HDUEA by Sonepar Italia by Sonepar: https://shopinshop.sonepar.it/shops/12 + Networked solutions for thermal hydraulics. Your partner for plumbing and heating. HDUEA distributes innovative heating and air conditioning systems for environments, paying particular attention to air quality, water and energy saving. We are a company specialized in the distribution of quality and cutting-edge plumbing products.
  • We propose ourselves as system suppliers and business partners of professionals because, in addition to plant material, we offer our customers advice and support: for us the two things go hand in hand.
  • We were born as an independent company and in 2019 we became part of the large Sonepar Italia family, with whom we share mission and principles.
• Elettrica Majorano Srl by Sonepar Italia by Sonepar: https://www.majorano.it/ + Since 1947 Majorano has been distributing industrial and civil electrical equipment for the most important companies in the sector. Constantly evolving to guarantee professionalism and technical advice to professionals in the sector.
  • Sonepar has officially signed an agreement for the acquisition of 100% of shares in CioffiRenato on the 27th of July 2022.
• CioffiRenato by Sonepar Italia by Sonepar: http://www.cioffirenato.it/ + CioffiRenato is located in Casarano and is a leading company in the area of ​​the province of Lecce, which deals with wholesale electrical materials and has been at your service for many years with professionalism, courtesy and dedication to the work of others.
  • It supplies all companies in the plant engineering sector with any type of material, also addressing private individuals on site. The company is now synonymous with reliability and punctuality of delivery, a company that dreams and puts the customer at the center of its management policy, aiming for maximum satisfaction at 360 °.
  • Sonepar has officially signed an agreement for the acquisition of 100% of shares in CioffiRenato on the 27th of July 2022.
• DIME srl by Sonepar Italia by Sonepar: https://www.dimesrl.it/ + Dime srl is a family-run company that has been operating for 35 years in the area, is active in Abruzzo, where it distributes electrical products for systems, industrial automation, home automation, photovoltaic systems and is present in the professional security sector.
  • The degree of specialization in sectors with the highest technological content is high: considerable and continuous investments are made in the training of technical personnel in industrial automation, domotics and in the field of exploitation of renewable energies, in particular photovoltaics, an area in which the The company can provide design support as well as the supply of materials and the construction of systems.
  • Even the lighting sector has undergone great evolution: today DIME stands as a reference point for every type of customer, from the private to the professional, guaranteeing the necessary consultancy and offering a vast range of lighting solutions: two exhibitions dedicated to light, the new showroom on the first floor of the San Giovanni Teatino branch and the one in the Tortoreto branch.
  • An even more specialized sector, and in full development, is the one dedicated to safety systems. In San Giovanni Teatino, next to the headquarters, professional products and software are dealt with for the creation of integrated systems of advanced home automation, for the centralized management of access control and video surveillance, and for fire detection with multiple technology systems.
  • Sonepar has officially signed an agreement for the acquisition of the electrical supplies business unit of DIME on 31st of december 2022.
• Mael di Tolentino by MA.EL srl by Sonepar Italia by Sonepar: www.mael-srl.it (website not available) + Acquisition of a business unit of MA.EL srl, historic wholesale and retail electrical material sales point located in Tolentino, in the province of Macerata.
  • Founded in 1994, MA.EL srl has represented a point of reference in the area for the supply chain and for professionals in the electricity sector for almost three decades. With this acquisition, Sonepar Italia’s sales points in the Marche region increase to eight, thus guaranteeing the continuity and high level of service and competence that customers have always appreciated from MA.EL srl.
    • More information on Antonio Montecchi (Founder, MA.EL srl, Sonepar Italia, Sonepar): N.A.
• Mega Electric Srl by Sonepar Italia by Sonepar: https://megasrlvasto.it/ + Professionalism, Distribution Synergy and Customer Service.
  • Mega Srl was established in 2010 by a group of electrical material distributors operating in the inter-regional territory of Abruzzo and Molise. The group has a presence in the inter-regional territory of 8 sales points which extend over a covered surface area of ​​approximately 10,000 m2 used as warehouses for storing goods and as exhibition showrooms.  Mega Electric, which recently merged with the Mega Group’s sales outlets in Abruzzo and Molise, represents a point of reference in the area for distribution in the electrical engineering, lighting, air conditioning and alternative energy sectors and can count on a staff of professionals in the sales and after-sales services sector. Mega Electric Srl brings its stores to Sonepar for a turnover of approximately 17 million euros.
    • More information on Michele di Lello (Chief Executive Officer, Mega Electric Srl, Sonepar Italia, Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services
• Gruppo Met by Sonepar Italia by Sonepar: http://www.gruppomet.com/ + Electrical and Thermo-hydraulic Material – Logistics and Distribution.
  • We believe that offering the widest range of professional electrical material, with delivery from Italy, allows the customer to have a single point of reference for his needs. Thanks to our particular distribution model, we are able to offer the widest range of electrical products on the web.
  • Our goal is to offer a safe, professional, fast and above all complete online sales service for electrical material. With a portfolio of more than 70 national and international brands and a range of over 70 thousand items always available, we aim to solve our customers’ product availability problems, and we offer the ease for our customers to be able to find all the items to complete any electrical project, making us the only online reference point for electrical material.
  • The organizational structure of the MET Group is made up of 7 Branch Managers, 18 Electrical Material Sales Staff, 6 Thermo-hydraulic Material Sales Staff, 4 Logistics Warehouse Workers, 3 Transporters, 5 Agents, 3 Administrative Staff and 2 Technical Office Staff.
  • Gruppo Met, founded in 2018 from the union of Elettrogroup Sicilia and Noto Elettroforniture, can count on a sales volume of almost 15 million euros and is present in Sicily with nine stores in Gravina (CT), Bagheria (PA), Sciacca (AG), Ribera (AG), Canicattì (AG), Siracusa, Modica (RG) and with two stores in Catania. The local branches are managed by a group of about 40 sales and after-sales service professionals.
    • More information on Giuseppe Noto (President, Gruppo Met, Sonepar Italia, Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services
    • More information on Pasquale Di Maggio (Chief Executive Officer, Gruppo Met, Sonepar Italia, Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services
• Fast Automation s.r.l. by Sonepar Italia by Sonepar: https://www.fastautomation.biz/ + Since 1998, FAST AUTOMATION has been dealing with distribution in the field of Industrial Instrumentation and Automation, with the aim of optimizing the path of materials from the manufacturer to the customer by reducing delivery times.
  • Since 1998, the FAST AUTOMATION warehouse has been constantly expanding to offer an ever-increasing range of products ready for delivery. Each product is subjected to careful examination to establish its functionality and reliability, and is accompanied by technical support to provide maximum satisfaction to increasingly demanding customers.
  • With a 2024 turnover of over 12 million euros, Fast Automation, founded in 2002, employs 17 people.
  • Fast Automation is integrated in the Industrial Business Unit of Sonepar Italy.
    • More information on Fabrizio Casula (Co-founder, Fast Automation + Process Automation Development Manager, Fast Automation, Sonepar Italia, Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services
    • More information on Stefano Casula (Co-founder and Vice President, Fast Automation + Process Automation Development Manager, Fast Automation, Sonepar Italia, Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services
• Artclima s.r.l. by Sonepar Italia by Sonepar: https://www.artclimaidro.it/ + Artclima is a company operating in the air conditioning, air treatment, plumbing, and bathroom furniture sectors.
  • We have a headquarters of approximately 5,000 square meters, of which nearly 1,000 are dedicated to the showroom where we display our finest products.
  • With a 2024 turnover of over €13 million and a team of 21 people, the company offers customized climate solutions for a wide range of buildings—from small commercial spaces to large residential complexes—proven expertise and reliability.
  • Artclima has been integrated into Sonepar in September 2025.
• Elettroforniture 2000 by Sonepar Italia by Sonepar: https://www.elettroforniture2000.it/ + Elettroforniture 2000 was founded on May 8, 2000 in Scandicci, from the idea of ​​two young entrepreneurs who, strong in their knowledge of the electrical sector, decided to put their experience at the service of companies and installers. Over the years, the company grew, first opening a second store in Florence and, later, in Pontassieve, increasing both its space and sales staff.
  • The company generates revenues of approximately €4.5 million and employs nine people.
  • Elettroforniture 2000 has been integrated into Sonepar in September 2025.
    • More information on Paolo Nacci (Co-founder, Elettroforniture 2000, Sonepar Italia, Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services
    • More information on Lorenzo Peruzzi (Co-founder, Elettroforniture 2000, Sonepar Italia, Sonepar): N.A.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EMR Additional Notes:

• Industrial Automation:
  • Industrial Automation (umbrella term) is the use of technologies such as computer software and robotics to control machinery and processes which replace human beings in performing specific functions. The functions are primarily centered on manufacturing, quality control and material handling processes.
    • Process Automation / Manufacturing:
      • Process automation (based on the nature of the raw materials and final product) is defined as the use of software and technologies to automate business processes and functions in order to accomplish defined organizational goals, such as producing a product, hiring and onboarding an employee, or providing customer service.
      • Process manufacturing utilizes chemical, physical and compositional changes to convert raw material or feedstock into a product. Process manufacturing includes industries such as cement and glass, chemicals, electric power generation, food and beverage, life sciences, metals and mining, oil and gas, pulp and paper, refining, and water and wastewater. Process manufacturing includes both continuous and batch processes.
    • Discrete Automation / Manufacturing:
      • Discrete automation (focusing on individual, quantifiable parts and products) is the production of parts that are of a quantifiable nature. That may include cell phones, soda bottles, automobiles, airplanes, toys, etc. As you know, an automobile contains many, many parts. The parts required for an automobile are also quantifiable in nature.
      • Discrete manufacturing processes include the production of individual parts as well as their assembly into a final product. Discrete manufacturing examples include automobiles, appliances, and consumer electronics.
  • Types of Automation Systems (by flexibility):
    • Fixed Automation:
      • Most basic, least flexible type of automation, ideal for high-volume, unchanging production.
      • Fixed automation systems are utilized in high volume production settings that have dedicated equipment. The equipment has fixed operation sets and is designed to perform efficiently with the operation sets. This type of automation is mainly used in discrete mass production and continuous flow systems like paint shops, distillation processes, transfer lines and conveyors. All these processes rely on mechanized machinery to perform their fixed and repetitive operations to achieve high production volumes.
    • Programmable Automation:
      • Next level of flexibility, where the system can be reprogrammed, but with a significant effort.
      • Programmable automation systems facilitate changeable operation sequences and machine configuration using electronic controls. With programmable automation, non-trivial programming efforts are required to reprogram sequence and machine operations. Since production processes are not changed often, programmable automation systems tend to be less expensive in the long run. This type of system is mainly used in low job variety and medium-to-high product volume settings. It may also be used in mass production settings like paper mills and steel rolling mills.
    • Flexible Automation:
      • Most advanced type of automation based on flexibility, allowing for easy, high-level changes without major reprogramming.
      • Flexible automation systems are utilized in computer-controlled flexible manufacturing systems. Human operators enter high-level commands in the form of computer codes that identify products and their location in the system’s sequence to trigger automatic lower-level changes. Every production machine receives instructions from a human-operated computer. The instructions trigger the loading and unloading of necessary tools before carrying out their computer-instructed processes. Once processing is completed, the end products are transferred to the next machine automatically. Flexible industrial automation is used in batch processes and job shops with high product varieties and low-to-medium job volumes.
  • Advanced and Integrated Concepts (most complex):
    • Integrated Automation:
      • Takes flexible automation to the next level by explaining how an entire plant’s processes, from manufacturing to business operations, are linked under a single computer-controlled system.
      • Integrated industrial automation involves the total automation of manufacturing plants where all processes function under digital information processing coordination and computer control. It comprises technologies like:
        • Computer-aided process planning
        • Computer-supported design and manufacturing
        • Flexible machine systems
        • Computer numerical control machine tools
        • Automated material handling systems, like robots
        • Automatic storage and retrieval systems
        • Computerized production and scheduling control
        • Automated conveyors and cranes
      • Additionally, an integrated automation system can integrate a business system via a common database. That is, it supports the full integration of management operations and processes using communication and information technologies. Such technologies are utilized in computer integrated manufacturing and advanced process automation systems.
    • Smart Manufacturing (SM):
      • Modern evolution of automation, driven by data and connectivity.
      • Technology-driven approach that utilizes Internet-connected machinery to monitor the production process. The goal of SM is to identify opportunities for automating operations and use data analytics to improve manufacturing performance.
      • An example of what the cloud can do for smart manufacturing is the Volkswagen Industrial Cloud, which combines all data from 122 Volkswagen Group facilities and processes it in real time to make improvements.
    • Hybrid Automation / Manufacturing:
      • Combines different approaches, showing how both additive and subtractive manufacturing can be integrated into one process. It also introduces the “hybrid” method for implementing automation projects.
      • The Hybrid Automation Method follows two guiding principles: Implementing robust automation solutions that are easy and affordable for organisations to maintain. Realising process efficiency rapidly by reducing project overheads and time-to-value.
      • Hybrid manufacturing is a combination of additive manufacturing (AM) and subtractive manufacturing within the same machine.
    • Additive Manufacturing (AM):
      • Key technology of one of the core components of the “hybrid” approach.
      • Additive manufacturing is the process of creating an object by building it one layer at a time. It is the opposite of subtractive manufacturing, in which an object is created by cutting away at a solid block of material until the final product is complete.
      • Operators across a variety of different manufacturing industries utilize additive manufacturing in various ways. For instance: Medical device manufacturers use 3D printing to develop high variance products such as dental implants.
      • The term “additive manufacturing” refers to the creation of objects by “adding” material. Therefore, 3D printing is a form of additive manufacturing. When an object is created by adding material — as opposed to removing material — it’s considered additive manufacturing.