Cegape acquires HR Path’s Geef, Virtualia to boost public sector HR

PARIS, FRANCE — Public sector HR software and outsourced HR services provider Cegape accelerates its growth strategy by acquiring the HR solutions Geef and Virtualia from HR Path. This move positions Cegape to be a force in the digital transformation of public sector human resources, expanding its portfolio of software and outsourced services for government clients.

Unified HR ecosystem for public sector

Cegape, operating as part of the Extens group, has 28 years of experience, specializing in payroll software and unemployment risk management for the public sector while also training 8,000 agents annually. 

Likewise, among HR Path’s two key players, Virtualia offers a comprehensive, all-in-one HR management platform covering everything from DGFIP-certified payroll to career development, while Geef provides user-centric HR solutions dedicated to the public sector, notably fire and rescue services.

From GEEF’s targeted public service tools and Virtualia’s end-to-end HR suite to the specialized, Extens-backed authority of Cegape, this creates an efficient ecosystem for HR management.

Cegape strengthens position in public HR tech

According to Dealert, Geef and Virtualia have an established reputation and a specialized focus on providing HR management systems for the State Public Service and the Territorial Public Service, a service that would benefit Cegape. 

In a separate report by PE Hub, the deal is expected to increase Cegape’s revenue to €12.3 million (US$14.2 million), employ over 100 people, and serve 1,900 clients.

The acquisition is a direct move to capture a stronger market position by integrating these proven solutions, which are particularly noted for their use by departmental fire and rescue services (SDIS).

“This acquisition is fully aligned with our targeted growth strategy, allowing us to consolidate the payroll and HRIS market for government agencies and expand our presence in workforce planning and training management for local government,” explained Nicolas Lemoine, President of Cegape.

By bringing these solutions in-house, Cegape aims to immediately enhance its functional coverage and solidify its standing in the competitive HR and payroll market. 

The company is also absorbing established client bases and sector-specific expertise, thereby reducing fragmentation and positioning itself as a more comprehensive, one-stop provider for public administration needs.

Expanding solutions and services

Beyond market consolidation, the acquisition is a strategic play to diversify and expand Cegape’s service offerings to a broader public sector audience. 

The company has outlined a clear plan to leverage this acquisition to offer complementary solutions in specialized areas. These new offerings will include services in workforce and skills forecasting, known as GPEEC, as well as talent management.

This expansion targets a wider clientele that encompasses all three branches of the public sector, indicating a move beyond the core entities previously served by Geef and Virtualia. 

“This transaction reflects our commitment to refocusing our activities around our three core pillars: Advise, Implement, Run,” said François Boulet, Co-founder of HR Path.

“This puts us in a more effective position to address the transformation projects of large organizations. It will enable us to accelerate our growth while ensuring continued high-quality service for GEEF and Virtualia clients.”

The strategy transforms Cegape from a provider of core HR and payroll systems into a partner capable of addressing more strategic, forward-looking human capital needs for the entire public sector ecosystem.

As Lemoine concludes, “Together, we will create greater value for our clients by offering them integrated, high-performing, and sovereign digital HR solutions.”