“This operation will allow Systra to finance its development,” certifies Jean Castex, CEO of the RATP group, in the press release. “This proposed sale to players recognized in supporting industrial companies will allow the Systra group to reach its full potential,” adds Jean-Pierre Farandou, CEO of the SNCF group, in the same document.
Employing 11,000 people, established in 80 countries, presented as the world number three in the sector… The Systra company “participated in the design of half of the metro lines and half of the high-speed lines in the world” and has achieved a turnover of “around 1.1 billion euros” in 2023, indicate RATP and SNCF. An increase of 40% in two years.
Target 2 billion euros in turnover in 2030
The two rail giants are not going to leave the Systra board of directors, however. Latour Capital and Fimalac intend to acquire a total of 58% of the capital of the engineering group, including a portion of shares held by the group. SNCF and RATP “will remain active in Systra’s strategy by each retaining a 20% stake,” specify the two groups, which have not communicated any amount for the transaction.
The objective: “to become the undisputed world leader in rail engineering” with “2 billion euros in turnover in 2030”, according to Jean-François Beaudoin, senior partner in the French company Latour Capital in a press release spouse. The Systra group does not have factories, but provides intellectual services and studies when creating lines, extending or automating networks. This is the case, for example, for the project management of the systems of the four future lines of the Grand Paris Express or that of the tunnel under construction under the Alps.
An idea on track since 2022
“We are proud to be able to help Systra, this great French champion which flies the flag of French engineering, to strengthen itself and deploy in an even more ambitious manner,” indicates Marc Ladreit de Lacharrière, CEO of the investment holding company. French company Fimalac in the press release.
A takeover idea that has had time to mature. In 2022, the two historic shareholders were already considering a minimal opening of capital, a scenario which evolved in favor of a majority sale. According to the joint press release, the sale “must still be presented to the social partners” and will be subject “to a certain number of prior regulatory authorizations”.
