BrazilCapgemini Invent acquires French digital marketing consultancy
International professional services firm Capgemini has in home country France acquired June 21, a consulting firm that specialises in digital marketing. The agency will be integrated into Capgemini Invent, the group’s digital consulting, innovation and transformation division.
On 12 September, Capgemini unveiled its new business unit that bundles its services in the area of management consulting, innovation, design and digital transformation. The powerhouse of over 6,000 employees was formed through the joining of forces of six units: Capgemini Consulting (management consultancy), LiquidHub (customer engagement), Fahrenheit 212 (innovation consultancy) and three creative design agencies – Idean, Adaptive Lab and Backelite.
Under one month following the announcement, Capgemini Invent has now closed its first acquisition under the new banner, building on its two previous acquisitions this year, that of Adaptive Lab in June and LiquidHub in February. The bolt-on of June 21 sees around 30 employees join Capgemini Invent in France, and bolsters the firm’s digital marketing service portfolio.
“June 21’s truly entrepreneurial spirit and well-established expertise will enable us to offer our clients an enriched portfolio of advanced digital services. I am delighted to welcome them to the Group,” said Paul Hermelin, Chairman and CEO of Capgemini. Cyril Garcia, who is the top boss of Capgemini Invent, added “In June 21, we found an exceptional team able to deliver on the customer-led transformation challenges faced by our large clients.”
Founded in 2007, by Jean Pierre Villaret (former France & South Europe Regional Head at Young & Rubicam) and Jean Marc Benoit (formerly General Manager of French marketing agency DevarrieuxVillaret), June 21 advises its clients on marketing and communications in the digital era. The Paris-based company works for clients such as Carrefour, Orange, Kingfisher, SNCF, Veolia and AG2R La Mondiale.
Asked about the rationale behind joining Capgemini Invent, June 21 co-founder Villaret pointed at the possibility to provide an end-to-end service to its clients. He further pointed at the wealth of technology expertise present within the Capgemini group. With over 190,000 employees globally, generating revenues of €12.8 billion, Capgemini is one of the globe ten largest IT consulting firms, system integrators and technology outsourcing providers. The company also operates at the forefront of technology-led innovation, investing hugely in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics and the internet of things, among others.
“We founded June 21 to enable our clients to make the most of the digital revolution that would transform their marketing and even for some, their business models. The arrival of artificial intelligence in our daily lives is a breakthrough that triggers new challenges for our clients, all leaders in their markets. We were convinced that we could not remain effective both as a force for strategic propositions and as a creator of content without the support and power of a reference partner. Capgemini will allow us to develop new expertise while preserving our know-how and the originality of our approach. This is a very positive move for both our clients and employees.”
Capgemini purchase in France comes two weeks after onepoint, one of the country’s larger home grown IT consultancies bought weave, adding 400 experts in France to its footprint. Earlier this year in France’s consulting industry, KPMG acquired Carewan and MAPP, Sia Partners purchased digital marketing agency Fove, while French operations consultancy Argon Consulting merged with UK's Crimson & Co.
Related: David Williams on why Capgemini regrouped to launch Capgemini Invent.
