The Pipelife Group has announced its plans to acquire Alphacan's French building and infrastructure pipe unit, a business with annual sales of €45 million, 100 employees, and manufacturing in Gaillon.

Pipelife, which is a 50/50 JV between Wienerberger and Solvay, is one of Europe's largest plastic pipes and fittings groups, with active units in 27 countries, 26 factories, 2350 employees, and pro-forma sales of €716 million in 2010.

Pipelife Group CEO Niels Rune Solgaard-Nielsen said the Alphacan acquisition is part of his company's strategy to take sector-leading positions in the markets it serves, noting that the Alphacan purchase will make Pipelife the leader for plastic pipe systems in France, which is one of the largest markets in Europe. Alphacan is a subsidiary of the Arkema Group, employing 950 at its eight production sites spread throughout Europe in France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, and Croatia.