BPCE launches BPCE Equipment Solutions

Groupe BPCE, the second-largest banking group in France and the fourth largest in the eurozone, has announced the creation of BPCE Equipment Solutions following its acquisition of Société Générale Equipment Finance (SGEF).

This strategic move establishes BPCE as the European leader in the equipment leasing market and a key global player, reinforcing its commitment to international expansion in line with its Vision 2030 strategic plan.

With operations in 24 countries, BPCE Equipment Solutions now manages a €15 billion portfolio, making it the top provider of industrial equipment lease financing in Europe (excluding auto financing). The company’s 1,600 employees will support a broad network of equipment suppliers, manufacturers, and corporate clients, offering customised financing and leasing solutions across various industries, including transport, industry, technology, healthcare, and energy transition.

By leveraging synergies between BPCE Equipment Solutions and BPCE Lease—BPCE’s flagship leasing subsidiary in France with outstanding financings exceeding €20 billion—the Group enhances its ability to serve diverse customer needs.

The Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne networks will further strengthen BPCE’s domestic presence, ensuring tailored leasing solutions for businesses across all regions.

Expanding international footprint

This strategic acquisition accelerates BPCE’s global expansion, reinforcing its presence in key markets such as China, the USA, and Brazil. By integrating cutting-edge expertise with a strong international footprint, BPCE Equipment Solutions is positioned to drive growth and innovation, fostering long-term partnerships with manufacturers and distributors worldwide.

BPCE Equipment Solutions will operate under the Financial Solutions & Expertise business unit, led by Fabrice Gourgeonnet, a member of the BPCE Executive Management Committee. This unit specialises in leasing, consumer finance, factoring, and real estate development financing, among other areas.

Leadership appointments

To drive the success of BPCE Equipment Solutions, Groupe BPCE has appointed Odile de Saivre as Chief Executive Officer.

With extensive experience in asset finance and corporate lending, de Saivre will oversee the company’s strategic direction. She will be supported by Zdenek Metelak and Olivier Vimard as Deputy Chief Executive Officers.

Additionally, François Camilleri has been named CEO of BPCE Lease, bringing deep expertise in international leasing expansion.

Nicolas Namias, Chief Executive Officer of BPCE, emphasised the significance of this development: “Within a year of announcing the project, we are very pleased to create BPCE Equipment Solutions and to receive 1,600 new staff into BPCE.

“Already active in France, Spain and Italy through BPCE Lease, BPCE now becomes the European leader in the equipment leasing market. This development underlines our commitment to support the real economy and to respond to the practical needs of our clients by assisting them particularly with their environmental transition challenge.

“Thanks to a broad array of expertise and a presence in multiple countries, we are ideally placed to grow this business in France, Europe and the wider world, in line with our Vision 2030 strategic plan. Internationally, we will build on the relations of confidence established with many partners. In Europe, where we are already market leader, we will expand on our recognised presence, such as in Germany. In France, we will leverage the strength of the Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne networks to assert our position with large clients, while also creating synergies with our specialist leasing subsidiary BPCE Lease,” he added.