Branching out

The company set up local branches, starting with Geneva in 1968. By 1972, there were 14 branches throughout France and Switzerland, with each branch employing around 30 computer specialists, as well as a sales manager and a technical manager, all embracing an entrepreneurial culture.

Key “Rencontres”

The company was growing rapidly: by 1972, revenue had increased 26-fold, and the workforce had increased 19-fold. Regular meetings, called “Rencontres,” were organized to encourage team spirit and bring employees from remote branches together to discuss current and future projects. The “Rencontres” have since become a Capgemini institution and are still held for high-level managers to discuss major strategic decisions.

Diversification

Sogeti took advantage of opportunities to expand into the areas of facilities management, business consulting, data processing and corporate training. By the end of 1973, the company had become a key player in the French IT market. Worth around €40 million and employing some 700 people, Sogeti was one of the top 10 IT companies in France.

Going global

In 1974, Serge Kampf leveraged his status as a shareholder in pioneering custom software company CAP to propose a merger between Sogeti and CAP. The resulting company, Cap Sogeti, employed 1,500 people and became the leading IT services company in France. On January 1, 1975, the Cap Gemini Sogeti Group was formed through the acquisition of US IT services provider, Gemini Computer Systems.