Edition: May - June 2025 P.14
Media family: Media
Word count: 683
Periodicity: Bimonthly
Audience: 64800
Media subject: Auto-Moto-Cyclo
Shiftmove has entered into exclusive negotiations with Orange Business for the acquisition of Ocean. The German-Swiss telematics company recently arrived on the French market with the acquisition of Optimum Automotive.
Shiftmove is giving itself the means to achieve its ambitions to become one of the major players in telematics in Europe.
For the time being, this strategy has resulted in a vast offensive on the French market. The telematics specialist has in fact entered exclusive negotiation with Orange Business with a view to the acquisition of its subsidiary Ocean.
If this operation takes place — probably by the end of 2025 — it would be a new coup de force for the company. German-Swiss. This was already announced at the end of 2024 by making a first acquisition in France with the takeover of Optimum Automotive.
“Shiftmove is actively pursuing its European development with a strong strategic vision, partnerships to be established and acquisitions to be made, especially in France. This merger with Ocean is fully in line with this dynamic: it marks a key step in the consolidation of a virtuous ecosystem, where the alliance of our respective expertise will make it possible to form an ever more solid, innovative and recognized group on the fleet management ”,
declares Taco van der Leij, managing director of Shiftmove France.
Ocean is a leading player in telematics in France, with 170,000 vehicles monitored and more than 20 years of activity.
The sale operated by Orange Business responds to “its strategy of refocusing its business portfolio and optimizing its investments on key strategic priorities”, it is indicated in a press release.
1 MILLION VEHICLES IN 2027
Already well established in Germany, Shiftmove has therefore made France its new stronghold. The telematics specialist is currently following 500,000 vehicles globally, including 150,000 in France, without taking into account the future contribution ofOcean. The ambition to reach a park of 1 million units in 2027 is therefore on the right track.
“We are not ruling out other external growth transactions,” confides Taco van der Leij, without further details. The latter took office in March 2025, following the departure of Daniel Vassallucci, former boss ofOptimum Automotive.
Taco van der Leij has more than 15 years in the telematics sector. He recently held the position of Vice President Europe of Webfleet. He was recruited by Shiftmove to “play an essential role in the structuring of the organization and its expansion on the French market”, said the telematics specialist at the time.
“I joined Shiftmove because I believe in its vision,” underlines the new director France. A world where data supports every owner, manager, and fleet operator within a single, intelligent platform.” According to Taco van der Leij, “traditional players are slowly evolving, even as the adoption of AI accelerates. Shiftmove offers the opportunity to truly reshape the fleet management thanks to software and AI.”
In addition to his position as managing director France, he officiates as Vice President International. As such, announces the company headquartered in berlin, he will lead Shiftmove's European growth strategy. She is well on her way with the file Ocean, waiting for the sequel, in France or elsewhere.
Annick Renoux takes control of Webfleet Europe
To succeed Taco van der Leij, Webfleet Europe Promoted Annick Renoux. Strong of more than 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, it has mainly evolved in the sectors of Leasing And of the fleet management Connected.
In his previous mission as Director of the France and Benelux regions at Webfleet, Annick Renoux has led numerous projects aimed at strengthening the company's commercial development.
“Passionate about new technologies, I am convinced that the future of mobility lies in the aggregation of data as the main source of decision support and optimization, to facilitate the daily lives of drivers and fleet managers”,
She said on the occasion of her appointment.
Yoni Allali, former executive director ofOcean (a subsidiary of Orange), has been appointed to succeed him at the head of France and Benelux regions.
#gestion_de_flotte, #IA, #plateforme, #mobilité
