The Lyon-based company is pushing ahead with its European growth strategy. CEGID, the leading provider of cloud-based business management solutions, has just announced the acquisition of EBP, a provider of invoicing and accounting software for very small businesses and SMEs. Here is an analysis by the experts at AURIS Finance, a consultancy specialising in mergers and acquisitions.
At a time when electronic invoicing is becoming the norm, CEGID is acquiring a major player in the software publishing market. “By bringing together CEGID and EBP, we become a leader with an annual turnover approaching one billion euros and a customer base of almost 750,000. This merger will enable us to meet the needs of small businesses and accountants with innovative, tailor-made solutions, particularly in the context of mandatory electronic invoicing,” said Pascal Houillon, CEO of CEGID, at the time of the acquisition. Founded in 1984, the EBP Group provides invoicing, sales management and accounting software solutions specifically tailored to the needs of small businesses. The group currently serves 175,000 businesses, mainly VSEs and SMEs, operating in a wide range of sectors from construction to the professions, commerce and associations.
An enhanced portfolio
The acquisition will enable CEGID to strengthen its presence in the fast-growing market for software solutions for small and medium-sized companies and to accelerate its deployment across Europe. As part of its ‘Forward 2026’ strategic plan, CEGID aims to become the European leader in five user segments: finance, human resources, public accounting, retail and small business. With the acquisition of EBP, CEGID strengthens its presence in the software solutions market for SMEs and acquires a group with a turnover of €65 million in 2023, up from €62 million the previous year. The merger is currently underway. The completion of this acquisition is subject to the approval of the relevant regulatory authorities, and the information and consultation processes of the employee representative bodies concerned.
An aggressive inorganic growth strategy
CEGID’s comprehensive strategic plan aims to achieve sales of €1.3 billion within two years, compared with €840 million at present. This rapid growth began in 2016 and is supported by an aggressive acquisition strategy. In the space of five years, the Group has made around fifteen acquisitions, not only in France but also in Spain, Belgium and Canada. These acquisitions have been made in the Group’s various strategic sectors. Thus, in February 2024, CEGID acquired Exalog, a publisher specialising in SaaS cash management software, thereby strengthening its finance segment. In July 2021, CEGID strengthened its human resources offer with the acquisition of Talentsoft.
A team of experts at your side
Inorganic growth can significantly increase market share and open up new geographical areas. This is the strategy chosen by CEGID, which over the years has gained ground in its five areas of expertise. Other companies could soon be the target of Europe’s leading provider of cloud-based business management solutions. AURIS finance experts are experienced in dealing with change issues and specialise in specific sectors to support companies in their development projects. They will be at your side at all stages of your acquisition and disposal transactions.
