How Onepoint makes French sovereignty one of its priorities

How Onepoint makes French sovereignty one of its priorities

2024-07-06 15:41:00

« French sovereignty has been a key element since the creation of OnePoint in 2002 by David Layani and Atos was an industrial project which aimed to strengthen this sovereignty “, comments David Zouari, partner at Onepoint. However, it will not be this tech player specializing in digital transformation that will take over the former French flagship of IT.

As a reminder, Atos, heavily in debt, initiated a restructuring procedure in February. Despite the presence of several potential buyers including the Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, it was ultimately the offer from Onepoint, at the head of a coalition composed of Butler Industries, Econom and a group of the company’s creditors, that was chosen by the Atos Board of Directors at the beginning of June.

But, surprise, while David Layani was to become the boss of the former French flagship, Onepoint finally decided to withdraw its offer on Wednesday, June 26. The businessman even resigned from the board of directors of Atos and the company also plans to exit the capital of the IT group while it is the largest shareholder with more than 11% of the capital. Onepoint had indicated that it had ” noted that the conditions were not met to conclude an agreement paving the way for a lasting solution for financial restructuring and implementation ».

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Developing regions, a sovereignty issue

Despite the failure of this merger, Onepoint remains committed to defending French sovereignty. And for the company, this involves establishing itself in the regions.

« France has innovative companies, talents and know-how of very high quality, particularly in its regions “, enthuses David Zouari.

The company, established in 16 countries and with more than 3,300 employees, has also chosen to set up its first branch in the South in Aix-en-Provence. Proximity to customers, development of the region… David Zouari even announced, this Saturday, the recent signing of a partnership with Olympique de Marseille to carry out its carbon footprint.

A presence in the regions that has particularly developed since the health crisis when many talents left to settle elsewhere than in the capital. Onepoint is therefore also present in Nantes, Lyon, Rennes, Bordeaux and Toulouse.

But according to the partner, it is above all the development of French talents, then working for Onepoint internationally, which makes France shine. This is important to assert national sovereignty and further promote the regionss,” he adds.

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Shortage in the sector

Nevertheless, the company is facing, like all tech giants, a shortage of talent. According to the Montaigne Institute, nearly 10% of jobs in the digital sector, i.e. 85,000 positions, were not filled in 2022. Another cause of the lack of manpower in the sector: the low presence of women who do not even represent 30% of jobs.

This is not enough to discourage the company. Onepoint has developed various solutions such as the creation of the Onepoint school which ” aims to strengthen the expertise of its employees throughout their careers “, points out David Zouari.

« At a time when technological disruption is very significant, everyone must be able to develop their expertise throughout their life. “, he assures, insisting on the importance of continuing education.

>>> Watch the video interview with David Zouari