A history that spans 145 years.
Societe Generale Group was founded in Paris in 1864 with the aim of financing industrial infrastructure projects. The company progressively set up a nationwide network, and by 1940 had opened a total of 1,500 branches, compared with just 32 in 1870. After opening its first overseas office in London in 1871, Societe Generale Group rapidly developed an international network by extending its activities in Europe (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg), and later in the United States (1940). Societe Generale Group was nationalized in 1945, and played an active role in financing the post-war reconstruction.
Wholly owned by the French state after its second nationalization in 1982, the Group was returned to the private sector and listed in July 1987.
It has since considerably expanded its domestic and international presence via organic growth as well as acquisitions. Societe Generale Group now operates in 85 countries.