In recent years, the Soci t G n rale group has set its goal to develop its activities in three categories pricipalmente through the combination of organic growth and acquisitions. In recent years, the Soci t G n rale Group has focused on developing its activities around three core businesses through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions. Commercial banks were strengthened in 1997 through the acquisition of Cr du Nord, highlighted the determination of the group capitalized on the restructuring of French banacario. At the same time, Soci t G n rale has been aimed at ensuring customer loyalty in the long run (launch of “an account number for life” and introduction of Jazz, a package of services). In 1999 maintained a hostile takeover bid by the bank Paribas, but was overtaken by a competitor, the Banque Nationale de Paris (BNP).Retail Banking was Strengthened in 1997 through the acquisition of Cr dit du Nord, highlighting the Group’s determination to capitalism on the restructuring of the French banking system. At the same time, Soci t G n rale has looked to secure the long-term loyalty of its customers (launch of “one account number for life” and introduction of Jazz, a package of service offers). In 1999 it engaged in hostile takeover Negotiations for the bank Paribas, but was outflanked by a competitor, the Banque Nationale de Paris (BNP). In 1998, Soci t G n rale set up Retail Banking outside France as a separate division, underscoring the Group’s resolve to make this business one of its strategic development axes. This activity was also Strengthened in 1999 through the acquisitions made in Romania (BRD – Groupe Soci t G n rale), Bulgaria (Soci t G n rale Expressbank) and Madagascar. This external growth strategy has been manifester through acquisitions in Central Europe (Komercni Banka in the Czech Republic and SKB Banka in Slovenia) in 2001.Africa is also a major area of interest for the bank, with the 2002 purchase of Eqdom in Morocco (the market leader in consumer lending) and Union International de Banque in Tunisia. In addition, 51 of SSB Bank in Ghana in 2003 and 50 of Geniki Bank in Greece in 2004 were acquired. In terms of specialized financial services, a department created in mid-2001, the purchase of two Deutsche Bank subsidiaries, ALD Automotive for multi-brand auto leasing and financing for corporate sales and GEFA financing enabled Soci t G n rale to increase its European presence in these sectors . In 2002, it continued To pursue its external growth strategy by purchasing Hertz Lease, a European subsidiary specializing in long-term leasing and fleet management for Ford Motor Company vehicles.With a track record as leader in France for financial savings products (mutual funds, investment funds, company savings plans), the Group has developed its Asset Management and Private Banking activities: in 1999, its subsidiary, Soci t G n rale Asset Management, the strategy pursued of developing both its mutual fund management business in France and its activities Aimed at major institutional investors at an international level. With the launch of Soci t G n rale AM UK in London and the acquisition of Yamaichi in Japan, Societe Generale Asset Management has taken Establishing A decisive step in its international presence and is now able to offer its customers truly global fund management capabilities. Societe Generale also has a worldwide presence in private banking activities. After Pursuing a deliberate policy of acquisitions in 1998, Soci t G n rale Private Banking consolidated and developed its franchise in 1999 against a backdrop of tougher competition.During the 1st quarter 2004, the third branch of activity of the Soci t G n rale Group, GIMS Global Investment Management and Services was created. In February 2004, Soci t G n rale set up a new division named SG GSSI, Global Securities Services for Investors, which provides full investor services on securities and listed derivatives covered by the group around the world. SG GSSI is attached to the GIMS Which regroups SG Asset Management, SG Private Banking and SG Global Securities Services for Investors. GIMS employs 7.600 people. Soci t G n rale is developing its Corporate and Investment Banking businesses under the brand name SG CIB, Which was introduced by the Group in 1998.Bolstered by a sound client base and a recognized capacity for innovation borne out by the league tables (the Group is ranked among the global leaders in equity derivatives, convertible bonds, export finance, etc..), Soci t G n rale is looking to develop its M A, advisory and IPO activities through the acquisition of specialized firms (Hambros in the United Kingdom, Barr Devlin and Cowen in the United States). French reporter Denis Robert and former 3 of Cedel Ernest Backes, have accused Societe Generale of having non-published accounts in Clearstream, Which is at the center of a financial scandal.