According to CNBC, private equity firm Silver Lake plans to merge French software companies Cegid and Silae in a deal with an enterprise value of more than 10 billion euros ($11.6 billion). The combined business would bring together payroll, accounting, e-invoicing, digital finance and payments data, and create a 1,400-person developer team focused on AI investment. Silver Lake is the majority shareholder of both companies and will remain the majority shareholder of the combined group. Subject to regulatory approval, the transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2027. The companies are expected to generate annual revenue of 1.6 billion euros ($1.9 billion), and Silver Lake Managing Partner Christian Lucas will serve as chairman of the new business.