Paris, 21 October 2024 – Sofyne Active Technology and AG Solution group, both specialists in digital transformation for the industrial sector, have teamed up with their leadership teams in a strategic operation backed by the pan-European investment fund Waterland Private Equity. This partnership aims to create a leading European IT services company that will support industrial clients in addressing the challenges of their Industry 4.0 journey.
Founded in Lyon in 2005 by Stéphane Lusoli, Sofyne Active Technology today boasts a recognized know-how 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 6 European countries (France, Switzerland, UK, Portugal, Sweden, Poland), Sofyne Active Technology is currently the number 1 workforce for Dassault Systèmes’ DELMIA APRISO software in Europe. Sofyne Active Technology has been experiencing significant growth and expansion for several years.
AG Solution, founded in 2007, in Antwerp, by Eric Billiard and Guy D’haese, brings its expertise in automation systems, process control, data management, operational intelligence, MES/MOM solutions, Artificial Intelligence, ICT infrastructure, and OT security to industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, waste-to-energy and food & beverage. The company has 13 offices, including 11 in Europe (Belgium, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Ukraine, Portugal) and two in the United States (New York, Houston).
Through this major European partnership, the two companies, now united under the SAPHIR entity, share a common ambition: establish a leading Industry 4.0 group by 2030. The newly formed group plans to accelerate its international growth and carry out further external expansion initiatives.
“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, renowned for their excellence, 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 Active Technology 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 Active Technology’s offering to its clients with automation, operational intelligence, and MES/MOM Cyber security solutions,” said Eric Billiard, CEO of AG Solution.
“We are convinced of the strategic importance of this partnership, and that’s why we’re committed to supporting Sofyne Active Technology, AG Solution, and their leadership teams at every step of this transformative project. The merger will deliver increased value, expertise, and new service offerings to the clients of both companies, addressing the demands of industrial digital transformation,” commented Louis Huetz, Partner, and Pierre Naftalski, Investment Director, at Waterland.
About Saphir
Saphir comes from the partnership of Sofyne Active Technology and AG Solution. It aims to position itself as a leading group in Industry 4.0 in Europe. With its various locations in Europe (France, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, UK, Poland, Switzerland, Netherlands, Germany, Ukraine) and the United States, and more than 400 engineers and consultants, the Saphir group supports its customers on all Industry 4.0 issues thanks to a wide range of expertise and services.
About Sofyne Active Technology
Founded in 2005 in Lyon and specializing in digital transformation for industry, Sofyne Active Technology operates across Europe (France, Switzerland, UK, Portugal, Sweden, Poland). With its wide range of services, Sofyne Active Technology guides top-tier industrial clients from various sectors (luxury, automotive, energy, etc.) through their digital transformation toward Industry 4.0. The company is particularly renowned for its expertise in industrial data management software integration.
About AG Solution
Founded in 2007, AG Solution specializes in digital transformation for industry in both Europe and the United States (Belgium, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Ukraine, and the United States). AG Solution serves a diverse clientele (Food & Beverage, pharma, chemicals, etc.) and is known for its expertise in automation systems, process control, data management, operational intelligence, MES/MOM solutions, ICT infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence and Cyber security. As a strategic partner, AG Solution helps clients define their operational environments, design innovative roadmaps, and integrate cutting-edge technologies to generate lasting value and measurable results.
Press Contacts:
Olivia Andrez – waterland@the-arcane.com | +33 6 85 52 86 03
Laurence Van Doosselaere – vandoosselaere@waterland.be | +32 473 88 05 21
