Sofyne Active Technology and the AG Solution group, both specialists in digital transformation services for the industrial sector, have merged through pan-European investment fund Waterland Private Equity.
The partnership aims to take advantage of the widening services opportunities created by the growing Industry 4.0 market.
Founded in Lyon in 2005 by Stéphane Lusoli, Sofyne Active Technology is a specialist in MES/MOM/PLM software integration. This expertise enables it to support major international industrial groups in the luxury goods, automotive, and energy sectors in their digital transformation towards Industry 4.0.
With a presence in six European countries (France, Switzerland, the UK, Portugal, Sweden, and Poland), Sofyne says it is currently the number one partner for Dassault Systèmes' DELMIA APRISO software in Europe.
AG Solution, founded in 2007 in Antwerp by Eric Billiard and Guy D’haese, offers expertise in automation systems, process control, data management, operational intelligence, MES/MOM solutions, artificial intelligence, and OT security to industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, waste-to-energy, and food and beverages.
The company has thirteen offices, including eleven in Europe and two in the US (New York and Houston).
The two firms are now united under the new SAPHIR entity, and say they plan to “accelerate” international growth and to seek further acquisitions.
"Six months after Waterland’s involvement, we’re marking a significant milestone in our journey to become a pan-European leader in industrial digital transformation. With a combined team of 400 engineers and consultants, Sofyne Active Technology and AG Solution will be well-equipped to tackle the increasingly complex challenges of Industry 4.0, by offering high-level expertise, consultancy and services to their clients," said Stéphane Lusoli, CEO of Sofyne Active Technology.
"Following our successful MBO two years ago, this merger with Sofyne is a key step in achieving our 2030 vision. It will allow us to provide even more high-value-added services in the MOM space to our industrial clients. We will also complete Sofyne’s offering to its clients with automation, operational intelligence, and MES/MOM cyber security solutions," added Eric Billiard, CEO of AG Solution.
"The merger will deliver increased value, expertise, and new service offerings to the clients of both companies, addressing the demands of industrial digital transformation," said Louis Huetz and Pierre Naftalski, partners and investment directors at Waterland.
