French Connection: Fayat Group to Acquire Mecalac, Compact Equipment Innovator

By Keith Gribbins March 4, 2025 View Profile

The Fayat Group is adding another renowned brand to its portfolio. The independent, family-owned French construction conglomerate has signed an agreement to acquire Mecalac Group, another French company and a global leader in compact construction machinery. The deal is expected to be finalized by mid-2025, pending regulatory approval. Until then, Mecalac will continue operating independently. This acquisition marks an interesting moment in compact construction equipment. Fayat is a giant in roadbuilding and public works, while Mecalac is known for its high-end, innovative compact machines. Together, they could create a new force for small, specialized machinery particularly for American contractors doing road work.

Fayat’s Expanding Construction Empire

Founded in 1957, Fayat started as a civil engineering firm in Libourne, France. Over nearly seven decades, it has evolved into a global leader in construction, roadbuilding and industrial solutions, now operating in 170 countries with over 23,000 employees. Fayat specializes in eight activities, ranging from energy services to civil works to vineyards. The company also has an impressive road construction equipment division. In 2023, the group reported revenues of €5.7 billion ($6.2 billion USD). Fayat’s road construction division’s success has been built (somewhat) on strategic acquisitions, strengthening its position across multiple road-focused construction sectors:

1987: Acquired Ermont, expanding into asphalt and roadbuilding.
1998: Took over Marini, a global leader in asphalt plant manufacturing.
2004: Acquired Bomag, a world leader in compaction equipment.
2017: Added Dynapac, further strengthening its road construction lineup.
2021: Acquired Dulevo, expanding into mechanical and electric road sweepers.

The purchase of Mecalac is another bold move, reinforcing Fayat’s presence in urban and compact construction machinery — a rapidly growing market segment.

Mecalac: A Legacy of Compact Innovation

Mecalac has carved out a unique identity in the compact equipment world. Founded in 1974 in Annecy, France, the company gained recognition for designing multi-functional, high-performance machines tailored for urban jobsites. Today, Mecalac operates in over 85 countries and maintains a strong presence in North America through its Norfolk, Massachusetts headquarters.

Mecalac’s product lineup includes:

MCR Skid-Excavators — One-of-a-kind excavator tool carrier, boasting the speed of a skid steer with the reach of an excavator.
AS Swing Loaders — Unique wheel loaders that feature 180-degree swivel booms for tight-space material handling.
MR Wheeled Excavators — Midi excavators on wheels, built for high maneuverability and fast travel speeds.
Revotruck Dumpers — A game-changer in the site dumper market with its rotating cab that allows for enhanced visibility and efficiency.
MCL Small Articulated Loaders — Super small compact wheel loaders built for agriculture, snow removal, landscaping and (yes) road work. Plus, the SAL market is hot right now. Just watch!

Mecalac has also been a pioneer in electric construction equipment, announcing battery-powered excavators, wheel loaders and dumpers.

What’s Next? Mecalac’s bauma 2025 Debuts

At bauma 2025, the world’s largest construction equipment trade fair, Mecalac plans to showcase several very-cool-sounding machines, including:

Revo990 Backhoe Loader — Featuring a rotating cab just like its Revotruck Dumpers for seamless transitions between digging and loading.
eS900tele Electric Wheel Loader — A zero-emissions telescopic loader designed for confined jobsites and high lifts.

What This Means for American Contractors

Mecalac’s North American footprint has been growing, with around 25 dealers (last we heard) and nearly 100 locations. With Fayat’s backing, this presence is likely to expand even further. The Fayat-Mecalac merger is a strategic alignment of two companies committed to construction and construction equipment. With Mecalac’s innovative machine designs and Fayat’s global scale and expertise in road work and civil construction, American contractors could soon see new and improved compact solutions hitting the market. Stay tuned to Compact Equipment (sign up here!) for more updates on how this acquisition plays out.

Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.