Sword France assists blue-chip customers in their technological and digital transformation programmes and is positioned at the crossroads of technological and end-market related expertise. The service offering is supplemented by innovative in-house designed software products that bring added value to the core offer. Sword France employs c.600 employees and generates revenues over EUR 60m.
The management team has a proven track record of double-digit growth over the past 10 years. Argos Wityu aims to support the company in conducting an active buy-and-build strategy, both in France and internationally.
The objective of the transaction is to reinforce Sword France’s positioning as one of the leading specialists focusing on dynamic technology segments.
Argos Wityu is an independent private-equity group with offices in Brussels, Frankfurt, Geneva, Luxembourg, Milan and Paris. Since its creation in 1989, the group has invested in more than 75 mid-sized companies (enterprise value ranging from EUR 25M to EUR 200M). Its majority ownership investments range between EUR 10M and EUR 100M. With EUR 1Bn under management, the group has developed a unique investment strategy focusing on business transformation and growth, instead of financial leverage, and on bringing solutions to complex business and shareholding situations. Its entrepreneurial approach is characterized by a close relationship with management teams and strong support to help them implement their strategic plans.
After this disposal, Sword has 1,900+ IT/digital and software specialists present over 5 continents to accompany organizations in their growth in the digital age. As a leader in technological and digital transformation, Sword has acquired a strong reputation in software publishing and in complex IT and business project management since 2000. Sword optimizes processes and enhances data.
Should you want to know more about this transaction, you can contact one of the team members above
Bryan, Garnier & Co acted as Sole Financial Advisor to Sword Group SE on the divestiture of its French activities.
The scope of the transaction includes:
• Service activities currently managed by the French subsidiaries in French territory.
• International software activities for national trademark and patent offices.
This transaction continues to demonstrate Bryan, Garnier & Co’s growing expertise and track record in the software and IT services sectors. Notable other transactions include the acquisition of Sodifrance by Sopra Steria, the sale of Easyvista to Eurazeo PME, the sale of Iris Hybrid Technology solutions (part of Canon Group) to Livia Group/Westpole, the sales of Intys to Omnes, the sale of Sword Apak to Sopra Steria and the sale of Lexsi to Orange.