
Capgemini is a French multinational corporation that was founded in 1967 by Serge Kampf. It is headquartered in Paris, France and has over 270,000 employees worldwide.
The company's early years were marked by a focus on mainframe computers, but it has since diversified into a wide range of services, including consulting, technology, and outsourcing. Today, Capgemini is one of the world's largest consulting and technology services companies.
Capgemini's history is closely tied to the development of the IT industry, and it has played a significant role in shaping the global IT landscape. The company has a long history of innovation and has been at the forefront of many technological advancements.
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Company History
Capgemini's history dates back to 1967 when Serge Kampf founded Sogeti, an enterprise management and data processing company. The company has undergone several name changes and acquisitions over the years.
One notable acquisition was in 1974, when Sogeti acquired Gemini Computer Systems, an American company based in New York. This acquisition marked the beginning of Capgemini's expansion into the US market.
In 1990, Cap Gemini Sogeti acquired the Hoskyns Group, a major IT outsourcing and managed services company in the UK. This acquisition helped Capgemini establish a strong presence in the UK market.
Here's a brief timeline of some of Capgemini's major acquisitions:
- 2000: Acquired Ernst & Young Consulting
- 2006: Acquired Kanbay for $1.25 billion
- 2015: Acquired iGate for $4 billion
- 2019: Acquired Altran, a provider of engineering and R&D services
- 2021: Acquired RXP Services and Acclimation in Australia
- 2024: Acquired Syniti, an enterprise data management company
Cap Gemini SA
Cap Gemini SA was formed in 1996 after the merger of controlling shareholder Sogeti SA and Sogeti subsidiary Gemini Consulting with Cap Gemini Sogeti, resulting in a new name and logo for the company.
The move was made in response to shareholder pressure from Daimler-Benz AG and financial holding group CGIP, who wanted to simplify the company's name and branding.
In February 2000, Cap Gemini SA acquired Ernst & Young Consulting, the USA-based accounting firm's IT consulting arm, which enabled the company to triple the size of its North American operations and enlarge its presence in other regions.
This acquisition was a significant milestone for Cap Gemini SA, marking a major expansion of its global reach and capabilities.
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Here are some key acquisitions made by Cap Gemini SA during this period:
- February 2000: Ernst & Young Consulting
- April 1999: Beechwood, an American specialist in providing IT services to the telecommunications industry
- January 1997: Géislogica in Portugal
These acquisitions demonstrate the company's commitment to growth and expansion, and its ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
Invent
Invent was launched in September 2018 as the design and consulting brand of the Capgemini Group.
It's the rebranding and enlargement of Capgemini Consulting, which had nearly doubled in size globally since 2014.
Capgemini Invent is located in more than 37 offices globally.
These offices are a hub for the company's more than 10,000 employees, who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise from various sources, including frog design, Fahrenheit 212, Idean, and June21.
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Business Units
Capgemini operates through several business units, each with its own unique focus and expertise. These units include Consulting, Technology Services, and Outsourcing.
The Consulting business unit helps clients navigate complex business challenges through strategic consulting, operational performance improvement, and organizational change management.
Capgemini's Technology Services business unit provides IT consulting, systems integration, and application development services, leveraging its global delivery model and expertise in digital transformation.
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Sogeti
Sogeti is a wholly owned subsidiary of Capgemini Group, spun off in 2002.
It specializes in technology and engineering professional services.
Sogeti was created in 2002 to provide customized services to clients, primarily local IT managers of large organizations.
Currently, it operates in five European countries and the United States.
Sogeti answers a growing need for continuity and proximity in the market, which represents one-quarter of the total for IT services.
It provides services to clients in multiple countries, including France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, and the United States.
Sogeti's focus on technology and engineering professional services allows it to cater to a specific niche in the market.
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Engineering
Capgemini Engineering is a significant business unit within the company. It was formed in 2021 by grouping the engineering and R&D activities of Altran with Capgemini Digital Engineering Services.
In 2021, Capgemini made a strategic move to merge the engineering and R&D activities of its Altran brand with Capgemini Digital Engineering Services into Capgemini Engineering.
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Quantum Lab
Capgemini's Quantum Lab is a collaborative effort with IBM, set up in 2022.
The lab will be available in the UK, Portugal, and India, serving as research facilities to help build quantum applications.
Capgemini's Quantum Lab is an authorised IBM Quantum Hub.
IBM's latest 127-qubit quantum processor, Eagle, will feature in the lab.
This cutting-edge technology will enable the development of innovative quantum applications.
French Public Sector
The French public sector has been a significant market for Capgemini, a consulting firm that provides services to the government. In fact, Capgemini has been involved in numerous lucrative projects for the French public sector.
Capgemini's activities in the French public sector have raised some eyebrows, particularly with regards to conflicts of interest. For example, a former employee of Capgemini was appointed as head of the Elysée correspondence service, which subsequently contracted Capgemini for a project to automate mail reading.
Etienne Grass, a former classmate of Emmanuel Macron, has been a key figure in Capgemini's public sector activities. He has been the head of the "public sector" market unit of Capgemini Invent since 2017.
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Brands and Services
Capgemini has a diverse range of brands that cater to different needs. Its core offer is supported by three specialized sub-brands.
Capgemini's core offer is made up of LyonsCG and Itelios, which are supported by three sub-brands. These sub-brands are Altran, Sogeti, and Capgemini Invent.
Here are the sub-brands that support Capgemini's core offer:
- Altran: engineering and R&D services.
- Sogeti: custom solutions.
- Capgemini Invent: digital consulting.
Capgemini EY
Capgemini EY is a company with a rich history of growth and expansion. In December 2003, they were awarded a multi-year contract by the Inland Revenue to supply IT services, worth €4.7bn over 10 years.
This contract was a significant milestone for the company, and it was extended several times, with the most recent extension expiring in 2021. They also acquired Transiciel SA, a French IT services and engineering company, in 2003, which brought in new business with European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (later known as Airbus SE).
In 2002, Capgemini formed a subsidiary called Sogeti, which focused on local IT engineering markets in several countries. Sogeti had operations in France, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Spain, as well as North America.
In 2001, Capgemini acquired Unigrid AB, the IT division of the Swedish Railway Company, and formed a joint venture with EDB Business Partner ASA's division EDB Teamco AS. Unigrid specialized in IT solutions for travel and logistics companies.
Capgemini has also made some notable divestitures, including selling their Technology Consultancy to a group of private investors led by Charterhouse Group International Inc in 2000 for around $50m.
Brands
Capgemini offers a range of brands that cater to different needs. Their core offer is supported by three specialized sub-brands.
One of these sub-brands is Altran, which provides engineering and R&D services. This expertise can be a game-changer for businesses looking to innovate.
Another sub-brand is Sogeti, which specializes in custom solutions. This means they can tailor their services to meet the unique needs of each client.
Capgemini Invent is the third sub-brand, focusing on digital consulting. This brand helps businesses navigate the complex world of digital transformation.
Here's a quick rundown of Capgemini's sub-brands:
- Altran: engineering and R&D services
- Sogeti: custom solutions
- Capgemini Invent: digital consulting
Timeline
Capgemini has a rich history, and understanding its timeline can give you a glimpse into its growth and evolution.
In 2009, ExtoLabs Ltd was established by Australian venture capital firm Exto Partners Pty Ltd, and it would later become WhiteSky Labs in 2011.
Capgemini Research Institute was launched as an in-house think tank, researching ways of deploying technology in the future.
Let's take a look at some key events in Capgemini's timeline:
- Mar.2020: WhiteSky Labs Pty Ltd was acquired by Fahrenheit 212 LLC.
- Apr.2020: Altran Technologies SA was acquired (98%) by Fahrenheit 212 LLC.
- Sept.2018: Capgemini Invent was launched as a new global business line.
- Feb.2018: LiquidHub Inc was acquired by Capgemini as a bolt-on for Capgemini Invent.
- Sept.2017: ASPIRE was officially declared dead, ending a 10-year partnership between Capgemini and Fujitsu Ltd.
- Sept.2017: Lyons Consulting Group LLC was acquired by Capgemini.
- Jun.2017: Cap Gemini SA became a "European company" (Societas Europaea), renaming itself in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Capgemini a top firm?
Yes, Capgemini is a leading global firm with a strong presence in over 40 countries. Its large global footprint and extensive services make it a top player in the consulting, technology, and outsourcing industry.
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