At the AFC Leaders’ Summit Europe in May 2025, two months after the closing of Groupe BPCE’s €1 billion acquisition of Société Générale Equipment Finance (SGEF), Odile de Saivre, now CEO of BPCE Equipment Solutions, reflected on an extraordinary transformation – not just a change in ownership, but a strategic new beginning.
In an in-depth conversation with John Rees, Head of Equipment Finance at Asset Finance Connect, Odile shared her vision for the future, BPCE’s role as an enabler of growth, and how her team is seizing this rare moment to redefine what a global equipment finance business can become.
From transaction to transformation
“The past 15 months have been intense,” de Saivre acknowledges. “It’s been more than just a transition. It was a special moment to pause, reflect, and re-examine who we are, and who we want to become.”
For BPCE, the rationale behind the acquisition was clear: to acquire a global, asset-focused business that reflects and supports the real economy – especially SME financing and vendor partnerships – and to add international breadth to what had been a domestically anchored group.
“SGEF brought global scale and deep sector expertise,” she says. “We are operating in 24 countries (14 entities and 10 partnerships) with highly specialised teams – something BPCE didn’t have in place internationally. It’s a real strategic match.”
A strategy of growth, not reinvention
Despite the major changes at a corporate level, Odile emphasised the continuity of purpose at the heart of the transition.
“Why pay €1 billion and take on €15 billion of outstanding to change something that’s already working so well?” she asked. “This is not about turning SGEF into something else – it’s about giving it room to grow.”
Indeed, Odile revealed that BPCE’s leadership is embracing the acquisition as a springboard for broader global ambitions. “The group’s CEO, Nicolas Namias, is proud to say he now has a far stronger footprint in Italy, in Germany, in China — all thanks to us,” she said. “It’s opening doors and giving us real momentum.”
“We are building on solid foundations. BPCE Equipment Solutions has strong expertise, deep client relationships, and a trusted position in the market. We’re not changing direction – we’re increasing our speed.”
From finance to solutions
One of the most symbolic changes has been the company’s rebranding as BPCE Equipment Solutions – a name that reflects a deliberate shift in positioning.
“We deliberately dropped ‘finance’ from our name,” Odile explained. “Finance is part of what we do, but our real value is in providing solutions – complex, tailored offerings that help vendors and customers succeed in the real economy. That’s why ‘solutions’ was the one word everyone agreed on.”
“This approach positions us as a true partner – proactive, innovative, and aligned with our clients’ long-term objectives.”
Resilience through uncertainty
With geopolitical instability, economic pressures, and growing regulatory burdens shaping today’s landscape, Odile remains realistic, but confident.
“Yes, the world has changed a lot in 15 months. But for us, that only reinforces the relevance of what we do,” she said. “SMEs still need financing. Vendors still need strong partners. The real economy doesn’t stop, even when markets wobble.”
She points out that BPCE’s long-term commitment to the sector has not wavered. “They see us as a strong, diversified asset, and a stabilising force in uncertain times.”
“In a world that’s constantly shifting, our commitment is to remain a reliable, forward-thinking partner – one that helps businesses move forward with confidence.”
Sustainability: staying the course, evolving the approach
SGEF had a strong sustainability strategy before the acquisition, and that focus continues under BPCE.
“We’re not going backwards,” Odile insisted. “Yes, there are headwinds but the need to support the transition to a circular, low-carbon economy hasn’t gone away.”
What’s changing, she says, is not the direction, but the approach. “We’re not dogmatic. We’re evolving.”
“Sustainability has always been part of our long-term vision – it’s not just a goal, it’s a responsibility and a core business driver.”
Growth with purpose — and people at the centre
BPCE Equipment Solutions now counts 1,600 employees across 14 countries – people who represent not just operational scale, but deep local knowledge and customer relationships. Maintaining engagement and cohesion across this global network is a top priority.
“In many ways, we’re creating a new company,” she said. “That takes trust, communication, and time. Our upcoming annual event will bring our people together, to reconnect and recommit to our shared mission.”
“People are the engine of everything we do. Our teams bring expertise, creativity, and commitment to every client relationship. We are investing in their development, encouraging collaboration, and creating a culture that values trust, diversity, and initiative in the BPCE group we are joining.”
Looking ahead
As BPCE Equipment Solutions turns the page to this ambitious new chapter, Odile de Saivre’s message is clear: this is not just an integration, it’s an inflection point. With a firm foundation, an expanding global reach, and a renewed sense of purpose, the company is poised to shape the future of equipment finance far beyond traditional boundaries.
“The opportunity in front of us is rare,” Odile concluded. “We’re not just building scale, we’re building a model for what global, purpose-driven equipment finance can be.”
In a time of complexity and change, BPCE Equipment Solutions is positioning itself not just to adapt, but to lead.
“What’s ahead is a human journey. With a passionate team, a clear vision, and the support of Groupe BPCE, we’re ready to lead with purpose, grow with resilience, and make a real difference in the years to come.”
