Cylande

About Cylande

In 1986, Jean Paugam founded Cylande in Roubaix, France, with a clear focus on the retail sector. The company developed enterprise resource planning (ERP) software specifically designed for the complex needs of retailers, from large-scale hypermarkets to specialty boutiques. Cylande's product suite aimed to be a comprehensive solution, managing everything from supply chain and warehouse logistics to point-of-sale and customer relationship management. For three decades, Cylande steadily built its presence, becoming a key player in the French and international retail market. The company developed a portfolio of solutions under the "United Retail" name, attracting over 180 well-known brands. By 2016, Cylande had expanded its operations to China, Portugal, Poland, and the Ivory Coast, employing 340 people and generating over €30 million in revenue. The playbook took a significant turn in November 2017. After a competitive process involving both strategic buyers and private equity firms, Cylande was acquired by Cegid, another major French software provider. The deal brought together Cylande's deep retail expertise and client roster with Cegid's cloud technology and extensive international presence. The founder, management team, and private equity backers sold the company, creating a combined entity supporting over 70,000 stores in 70 countries, positioning the new group as a global leader in retail technology.