RIOU Glass, the specialist in high energy and environmental performance insulating glass units, has announced the acquisition of the flat glass processor Diffuver, based in Marclopt in the Loire department (42).

Following its acquisition of a stake in the Italian glassmaker Cappelletti & Roleri in May and the Belgian group Euroglas last month, RIOU Glass has made a third acquisition as part of its RIOU GLASS VERRE 2025 development strategy. France's leading independent processor of glass products has just acquired all the shares in the capital of the Loire-based company Diffuver, previously held by its founder Philippe Melon and partner Rémi Maximin.

The external growth operation aims to consolidate the ETI's territorial coverage in France. Diffuver is a recognised player in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, with which we share know-how and common family values," explains Christine Riou Feron, President of RIOU Glass. This acquisition will enable us to complete our territorial coverage, which already comprises 16 industrial sites in France.

In addition to its geographical presence, the acquisition of Diffuver will also strengthen RIOU Glass' expertise in the production of very large-scale glazing for the façade market, which is Diffuver's speciality. Lastly, the acquisition is a way for the Normandy-based group to roll out its entire range of glazing solutions in France. This range extends from very high performance double and triple glazing to more technical products (glazing with integrated blinds, opaque laminated glass, bullet-proof glass, sanitary protection screens, etc.) and design products (decorative glass for entrance doors, kitchen splashbacks, partitions, etc.).

Philippe Melon will continue to support the development of Diffuver with Rémi Maximin, director of the Marclopt site, and the company's 40 employees at his side. "Ambition, passion and family spirit are the values we share with the RIOU Glass group. We will do our utmost to meet their expectations and, through them, to continue this wonderful adventure in the world of glass," concludes the founder of Diffuver.

Diffuver, more than 35 years of know-how in glass

Created in 1986, Diffuver is one of the most important players in flat glass processing in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. With operations in Marclopt (42) and Lyon (69), the company produces 100,000 m² of double glazing each year. For the period 2020-2021, Diffuver has invested 3 million euros in its production facilities in order to meet the strong demand from the façade market for large-scale glass. This investment plan has made it possible to expand the Marclopt industrial site and install a laminated glass cutting table, two machining centres and a 56-metre "Jumbo" assembly line capable of producing insulating glass measuring 6,000 x 3,210 mm.