Septeo

Septeo is a leading European player in the Legal Tech industry, specialising in software for legal professions (lawyers, notaries, and corporate lawyers), real-estate managers and CDIOs. Based in Montpellier, the company has an annual revenue of €130 million and employs more than 1,000 people around the world. The transaction, involving the sale of a minority stake in the company, has provided founders Philippe Rivière, Jean-Luc Boixel and Hugues Galambrun with the resources to pursue an ambitious program of international acquisitions, particularly in North America.

Septeo started out as GenApi, a pioneering software editor for notaries that was founded in 1988 and has supported the digital transformation of the notarial profession. Over the years, Septeo has extended its expertise into other parts of the legal profession. In 2001, it created its Law Firms division with the acquisition of Secib, which now leads the French market, followed by the acquisitions of Dicta+ and Ecostaff and the creation of business development agency Azko. The Real Estate division, comprising Suite API, is the only market player addressing all four segments of the real-estate market, i.e. rental management, property management, transactions and seasonal rentals. Septeo’s most recent acquisition was Legal Suite in 2018. This company leads the In-House Counsel market (Enterprise Legal Management, Contract Lifecycle Management, Governance Risk and Compliance) and has strengthened the group’s presence in the legal tech sector, while also expanding its horizons to include both the large corporate and international markets. Septeo now operates in France, Canada, the United States, Dubai and Belgium. In addition to its professional software business, Septeo provides businesses with digital transformation support through its Matilan and RG System units.

With more than 200 engineers focusing on product innovation, R&D is at the heart of the group which has always been a pioneer in terms of technological innovation for legal professionals (smart document drafting engine, mobile apps, digitalisation, professional chatbots, AI etc.). The group also organised its first LegalTech Day in Montpellier in June 2018. Septeo recently moved into a new 11,000m^² site housing all of its business activities and support services, and has launched a major recruitment drive in 2019, aiming to hire 300 new staff members.

With the support of its new minority shareholder Crédit Mutuel Equity, the Septeo group intends to continue its expansion in France and abroad, aimed at the legal profession, real estate managers and CDIOs but also new professions, through targeted acquisitions.

"We are excited to have the support of a solid, long-term partner following the arrival of Crédit Mutuel Equity as a minority shareholder. We want to pursue our growth strategy through strategic acquisitions in France and abroad. This transaction therefore represents a turning-point in Septeo’s history. It will allow us to further enhance our core strengths of innovation, customer service and long-term vision, while increasing our investment capabilities in our target markets", said Philippe Rivière, Jean-Luc Boixel and Hugues Galambrun.

"We are delighted to be working with Septeo’s management team and with a company that has such an outstanding track record, including historical growth of more than 20% per year. This demonstrates both its policy of continuous innovation but also its high level of customer satisfaction. The founders have been able to attract people with all the key skills required in an industry containing multiple transformation opportunities",said Eve Basse-Cathalinat and Antoine Arlet, Crédit Mutuel Equity.

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