The professional training market is undergoing further consolidation, as evidenced by the recent acquisition of Callimedia by Syfadis, a major player in the sector. Find out more with an analysis by the experts at AURIS Finance, a consultancy specialising in mergers and acquisitions.
Callimedia was founded in 2000 and specialises in e-learning solutions. With a team of 40 professionals, the company has developed a Learning Management System (LMS) called UPility, designed to streamline the administration of online and hybrid training courses. UPility’s capabilities include user access management, gaming features to engage trainees, and access to a dashboard for monitoring learners. The platform’s adaptability ensures it can be tailored to suit the size of the organisation. Callimedia supports not only large groups, but also SMEs.
Steady growth
Since its inception, the publisher estimates that it has trained more than 12 million learners for 200 companies. While the training courses offered by Callimedia have historically focused on the healthcare sector, the group has developed various modules in human resources, artificial intelligence, compliance and CSR. Callimedia has undergone significant growth in recent years. In 2024, the group achieved a turnover of €4.1 million, compared to €3 million in 2016. Callimedia’s innovation and steady growth have attracted the attention of another player in the sector, Syfadis, which has just acquired Callimedia. This strategic acquisition will enable Syfadis to expand its catalogue of educational content and further strengthen its LMS expertise.
Target integration
Syfadis, headquartered in Rennes, has a global learner base of 3.5 million, including prominent clients such as Mazars, L’Oréal, BPCE and Alstom. The acquisition of Callimedia will strategically position Syfadis to expand its presence in the e-learning sector. Following the integration of Callimedia, the company’s total workforce is expected to increase to 150, with significant growth in business volumes anticipated. While Syfadis had sales of €8 million by 2022, the group aims to reach €18 million by the end of 2024. Syfadis has the opportunity to expand its product range by incorporating Callimedia’s proficiency in immersive content and state-of-the-art teaching methodologies. The two companies want to offer a range of solutions combining advanced technologies and high added-value content. This strategic partnership is expected to enhance the ability to cater to the needs of large companies and institutions, while consolidating their position in the European market.
Ambitious goals
In order to support their development, the two companies are focusing in particular on the use of artificial intelligence. This will enable them to personalise learning paths and improve the effectiveness of training programmes, while reducing costs for organisations. In the coming months, AI should provide a significant boost to the training sector. However, this potential is contingent on the allocation of the necessary resources. According to a report by Morgan Stanley, generative AI could contribute up to US$200 billion to the global education sector by 2025. The same report estimates the investment required at US$6 billion for the deployment of solutions on an industrial scale.
Our experts at your service
Within the AURIS Finance group, our experts are specialised by sector. Our technology and professional training specialists are at your service to assist you in raising funds. Whatever your project: finding a financial partner, identifying a target with a view to capturing new technological functionalities, we are here to support you.
