Partner Article

Assystem Transfers 60% of GPS Division to Ardian

Assystem has signed an agreement with Ardian to transfer 60% of the company’s Global Product Solutions (GPS) division, leaving the former with 40% ownership.

Assystem aims to allow GPS to remain one of the main players in the ongoing consolidation of the R&D outsourcing market. By cooperating with the private independent investment company Ardian, the group gives GPS access to the resources and expertise that Ardian deploys to support the growth of its holdings, particularly through identification and financing of acquisitions.

GPS aims to respond to the expectations of its clients, who are willing to prioritise fewer suppliers with a more general, global offering. Enhancing GPS’s growth and its geographical and sectorial reach is of the essence to ensure, over the long run, its position as a market leader.

The company’s managerial teams will remain in place. Mr Olivier Aldrin, former deputy chief executive officer of the Altran group, will assume the role of chairman of the management board from the transaction date.

Dominique Louis, Chairman and CEO of Assystem, said:

“We believe that relying on Ardian’s skills and financial means was an excellent driver for accelerating GPS’s development and securing its position as a market leader. Ardian and Assystem are now partners in this new chapter of GPS’s history. We are confident in GPS’s success and convinced of the opportunities this partnership is creating for its clients, managers and employees.”

Lise Fauconnier, Managing Director Ardian Mid Cap Buyout, said:

“We are very pleased about the opportunity we are given to lead a development project for GPS, together with Assystem. GPS enjoys a strong growth and profitability dynamic which we plan to both continue and accelerate, through external growth, in an environment of consolidation for outsourced R&D.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Assystem .