Ageras partners with Societe Generale to acquire Shine software.

TLDR:

• Ageras has entered into an exclusive agreement with Societe Generale to acquire Shine, a leading French SME fintech, to become a leading European provider of banking and accounting software for SMEs.
• The acquisition would strengthen Ageras’ position in France and across Europe, offering a complete financial hub for small businesses.

Ageras, a provider of accounting software, banking, and admin tools for more than 300,000 active SME customers in Europe, has announced its exclusive agreement with Societe Generale to acquire Shine, a leading French SME fintech. With this acquisition, Ageras aims to become a key player in the European market for banking and accounting software for SMEs.

The acquisition of Shine would allow Ageras to offer a complete financial solution for small businesses in France, from company formation to invoicing, accounting, and daily banking. Shine’s expertise in banking would also strengthen Ageras’ banking activities across Europe. This transaction marks Ageras’ largest acquisition to date and its eighth overall, reflecting the company’s strategic growth plans.

Shine, founded in 2017, has quickly become a leading fintech for SMEs in France, offering a full daily banking service with features such as invoicing, payments, and company formation. The company serves over 100,000 customers and has been recognized for its excellent customer support. With Societe Generale as a majority shareholder since 2020, Shine has established a strong market position in the French SME market.

The SME market in France is growing, with approximately 4.2 million SMEs accounting for 99.9% of all businesses. Ageras aims to provide best-in-class financial products to French SMEs through the acquisition of Shine, catering to the evolving needs of small business owners in France and across Europe.

The acquisition of Shine by Ageras is part of the company’s strategy to build a pan-European champion in banking and accounting software, with a potential IPO planned for 2026. This transaction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and social procedures.