Based in Brig, SSE Group enters strategic negotiations with EPC Group with the aim of gathering their activities in the domain of civil explosives. This initiative is part of SSE long-standing strategy of strengthening its industrial position and contributing to the development of a leading European player in the sector. This was announced by SSE Group in a media release from February.
In a market characterised by growing requirement in terms of innovation, sustainability and competitiveness, this project is an important step in the Group’s development. The plan is based on the transfer of SSE’s civil explosives activities to EPC Group in exchange for a strategic stake in the latter.
EPC Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and distributors of explosive. For 133 years, the Group has been putting its know-how, technical expertise and technological innovations to offer its customers in the mining, quarrying, infrastructure and underground construction sectors high-performance, added value solutions. With sales of over EUR 550 million in 2024, EPC Group employs more than 2,900 people in its 44 subsidiaries spread in over 29 countries.
No operational change planned
SSE Holding will retain its fine chemicals division (Valsynthèse SA in Gamsen), which will continue to develop independently. This potential merger would be based on the strong industrial, technological and geographical complementarity of the two groups. It would strengthen their innovative capacity, expand their market presence and create new long-term growth prospects on a global scale.
The ongoing discussions will not result in any operational changes. The activities and teams of both companies will continue to work as usual, and no impact on employment is expected.
“This step is an opportunity to embark on a new chapter in the development of SSE Group. It would enable us to leverage our industrial expertise and actively participate in the European consolidation of the industry without giving up our roots in Switzerland”, Raymond Loretan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SSE Group, says.
Ongoing due diligence
The possible implementation of this transaction is subject to ongoing due diligence and the usual conditions. SSE will keep the market and its stakeholders informed of any significant developments. The SSE Group’s Annual General Meeting of Shareholders will vote on the completion of the transaction in June 2026 at the earliest.
Founded 132 years ago, the SSE Group is an industrial group primarily active in the manufacture and distribution of civil explosives products and services, as well as in fine chemicals. The group has developed strongly in recent years, transforming itself from a Valais-based industrial company into a European group with its headquarters and main production facility in Brig.
Source: SSE media release
