What Ares does

Groupe Ares is a French non-profit association (loi 1901) founded in 1991, headquartered in Pantin, and operating 20+ social-insertion establishments across three regions: Île-de-France, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and Gironde. Its core mission is the professional reintegration of people excluded from employment, served through three modes of action: (i) springboard enterprises (entreprises tremplins) delivering productive work in logistics, BTP/construction, digital, circular economy, and green spaces/viticulture; (ii) targeted accompaniment programs (ALI, Construire Son Avenir, EMILE, ISAE, PPAIP, MOBIL'EMPLOI/KURSO, Programmes Linguistiques) covering over 2,000 beneficiaries annually with average trajectories of 6-14 months; and (iii) consulting services via Conseil Ares+ and the SocialCOBizz association, which license ARES methodology to other inclusive structures and corporate partners.

The technology stack combines a proprietary socio-professional accompaniment methodology developed over 30+ years with digital tooling: the BlueKango safety management platform (deployed 2024) for prevention and accident management, the Acces Inclusive Tech and AresLab digital inclusion establishments, and LIVA for fiber-optic technician training. ARES also maintains carbon footprint measurement frameworks (active since 2022) for its main establishments, including Ares Services, Atelier Sans Frontières, Acces Inclusive Tech, and LIVA. The organization operates through wholly-owned subsidiary establishments (RépareSeb, LIVA, Ares Coop, Ateliers Sans Frontières, Acces Inclusive Tech, Ares Services regional branches) that each combine productive activity with on-site accompaniment.

ARES's business model is hybrid and dual-funded. Approximately 70% of operations are self-financed through production revenues from its diverse establishment portfolio — logistics services to DHL and La Poste, appliance repair via RépareSeb, shoe repair via Log'ins for VEJA, digital recycling, construction services for Bouygues and Vinci, and environmental services. The remaining ~30% comes from public subsidies (state, regional, France Travail co-financing) and private grants (Fondation Air Liquide, Fondation VINCI Pour la Cité). B2B consulting, insertion clause management, and reserved procurement markets constitute a growing fee-based revenue stream, complemented by methodology licensing through SocialCOBizz. Beneficiary acquisition flows through formal prescriber networks (France Travail, Cap Emploi, Missions Locales) and the national Plateforme de l'Inclusion portal, while employer partnerships are developed through direct outreach, RSE consulting engagements, and the annual Club ARES convening event.

Name

Ares

Legal name

Groupe ARES

Website

https://groupeares.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Groupe Ares is a French non-profit founded in 1991 that operates 20+ springboard enterprises and accompaniment programs across Île-de-France, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and Gironde to help people excluded from employment re-enter the workforce.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Social Insertion and Workforce Reintegration Services

NAICS

Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Human Rights Organizations (813311)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) & Belonging Consulting (BPAHAGAJ)

Keywords

• Social insertion services
• Inclusive employment programs
• Circular economy logistics
• Workforce reintegration training
• RSE consulting services

Headquarters

HQ city

Pantin

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Revenue model

1. Production activities (self-financing): ARES self-finances 70% of its operations through production revenues from its various establishments (logistics, construction, digital, circular economy, green spaces). The diversity of activities and structures allows the group to generate income while pursuing its social mission.
2. Public and private subsidies: ARES receives public subsidies and private grants that fund innovation and continuous improvement of social accompaniment. This complements the 70% self-financing from production activities.
3. Inclusive recruitment services and consulting: ARES provides paid consulting services to companies for RSE (Corporate Social Responsibility) support, including operational advice on philanthropy-business linkages, change management for social impact projects, social impact measurement, and management of reserved public procurement markets.
4. Insertion clauses and reserved markets: ARES helps companies fulfill their social procurement obligations by providing workers in insertion trajectories, managing insertion clauses in public contracts and managing reserved markets for adapted sectors.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Ares is a non-profit umbrella group that runs insertion (springboard/tremplin) enterprises across five sectors — logistics, BTP/construction, digital services, circular economy/reconditioning, and viticulture/green spaces — employing people in situations of exclusion under socio-professional accompaniment contracts. It complements these productive enterprises with regional insertion agencies (ALI), training and linguistic programs (Programme Linguistiques, PPAIP, ISAE, Construire Son Avenir), housing/mobility support, and a dedicated consultancy arm (Conseil Ares+ and SocialCOBizz) that helps public and private buyers source and manage social insertion clauses.

Product overview

Groupe ARES is a non-profit organization operating as a group of 'tremplin' (springboard) companies and associations whose primary mission is to facilitate the return to employment for people facing social exclusion. The organization operates across three modes of action: (1) Gateway enterprises providing transitional employment across sectors including logistics, construction (BTP), digital technology, circular economy, and viticulture/green spaces; (2) Support programs offering customized integration pathways for over 2,000 beneficiaries annually; and (3) Consulting services through Conseil Ares+ and SocialCOBizz to share social innovation expertise with other inclusive structures and companies. Key establishments include Ares Services (insertion enterprises), Acces Inclusive Tech (digital inclusion), RépareSeb (appliance repair/reconditioning), LIVA (logistics), Ares Atelier (CAVA center), Ares Coop (Gironde environmental work), and Ateliers Sans Frontières (furniture/logistics). The organization has operated since 1991 and maintains operations exclusively in Île-de-France, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and Gironde.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Log'ins: Logistics insertion establishment focusing on VEJA shoe repair and toll badge reconditioning.
• RepareSeb
• LIVA
• Acces Inclusive Tech
• AresLab
• Ateliers Sans Frontières
• Ares Coop
• SocialCOBizz

Products and services

• Ares Services (insertion logistics enterprise)
• LIVA (insertion logistics establishment)
• Ares Atelier (Centre d'Activités et de Vie Associative / CAVA)
• Ares Coop (environmental and circular-economy works)
• Ateliers Sans Frontières (furniture reconditioning and logistics)
• RépareSeb (small appliance repair and reconditioning)
• Acces Inclusive Tech (digital services and inclusion)
• ALI - Agences Locales d'Insertion (regional insertion agencies)
• Construire Son Avenir (training program)
• EMILE (insertion pathway program)
• ISAE (training program)
• MOBIL'EMPLOI / KURSO (mobility and employment platform)
• PPAIP (action program for insertion beneficiaries)
• Programme Linguistiques (linguistic programs)
• Conseil Ares+ (RSE and inclusion consultancy)
• SocialCOBizz (social and solidarity economy consultancy)

Quantifiable outcome

• 88% of employees report personal satisfaction in their work
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers18 records

Segments7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

32 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, moderate and minor.

• France Travail (Pôle Emploi)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 1991National employment service that refers long-term unemployed, RSA beneficiaries, and other vulnerable populations to ARES programs. Critical prescriber channel for beneficiary recruitment.
• Cap EmploicoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSpecialized employment service for people with disabilities. Refers AAH beneficiaries and workers with disabilities to ARES insertion programs.
• Missions LocalescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal services providing personalized welcome and accompaniment to young people (16-25 years). Refers youth beneficiaries to ARES programs.
• Fondation Air LiquidemajorGTM or Marketing PartnerOngoing partnership supporting safety skill development at ARES establishments. Includes development of pedagogical objectives and training modules, with mentorship between Air Liquide and ARES directors.
• Fondation VINCI Pour la CitémajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate foundation supporting ARES consulting activities and social impact initiatives through the SocialCOBizz platform.
• VEJAmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFootwear brand partnering with Log'ins establishment for shoe repair services. Sustainable fashion partnership supporting circular economy and insertion.
• EngiemajorGTM or Marketing PartnerEnergy company engaged in RSE consulting partnership with ARES for social impact initiatives.
• Sport dans la VillemoderateGTM or Marketing PartnerNon-profit organization receiving SocialCOBizz consulting support for social impact methodology.
• SocialCOBizzcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerARES-founded association for cooperation at social and environmental impact. Helps develop joint-venture social projects and shares ARES methodology with other structures.
• ArmoniamoderateGTM or Marketing PartnerFacilities management company partnering with ARES for inclusive recruitment and employment integration.
• Bouygues Habitat SocialmoderateGTM or Marketing PartnerSocial housing subsidiary of Bouygues engaged in inclusive hiring through ARES partnership.
• ClarianemoderateGTM or Marketing PartnerHealthcare and accommodation group partnering for inclusive recruitment of vulnerable populations.
• CritmoderateChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStaffing agency with inclusive recruitment partnership, especially for BTP and logistics sectors.
• ManpowermajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor staffing firm in innovative partnership with ARES combining social accompaniment and employment support for qualifying pathways ending in interim CDI contracts.
• KeolismoderateGTM or Marketing PartnerPublic transport operator engaged in inclusive hiring through ARES partnership.
• UniqlomoderateGTM or Marketing PartnerFashion retailer engaged in inclusive recruitment and potential circular economy partnerships.
• La Plateforme du BâtimentminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBuilding materials retailer with inclusive hiring commitments through ARES.
• Leroy MerlinmoderateGTM or Marketing PartnerDIY retail chain engaged in inclusive hiring through insertion clauses.
• Saint-GobainmoderateGTM or Marketing PartnerBuilding materials company with inclusive recruitment and sustainable construction partnerships.
• SUEZmoderateGTM or Marketing PartnerEnvironmental services company engaged in circular economy and waste management partnerships with ARES.
• Mozaik FondationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFoundation supporting diversity and inclusion initiatives in employment.
• Each OneminorGTM or Marketing PartnerInclusive employment organization offering coaching and integration support.
• Good Planet FoundationmoderateGTM or Marketing PartnerEnvironmental foundation conducting awareness actions with ARES on ecological transition.
• AuroremoderateGTM or Marketing PartnerSocial solidarity organization receiving ARES consulting support through SocialCOBizz.
• APF France HandicapmoderateGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor disability organization receiving SocialCOBizz consulting support.
• Emmaüs FrancemoderateGTM or Marketing PartnerSocial solidarity network receiving SocialCOBizz methodology support.
• DottminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMicromobility company engaged in inclusive employment partnerships.
• ArkoseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerClimbing gym chain with inclusive hiring commitments.
• CertidealminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRefurbished electronics company engaged in circular economy and inclusion.
• La FourcheminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOrganic grocery cooperative with social impact commitments.
• GEIQ BTP / GEIQ 1pactmoderateChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGroupements d'Employeurs pour l'Insertion et la Qualification in construction and general sectors.
• Tri-OminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWaste sorting company that hired Christophe, a former ARES beneficiary, demonstrating successful integration pathway.

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Aurore: French non-profit providing social and professional insertion via accommodation, employment support, and production activities. Comparable IAE structure, beneficiary profile, and B2B partnerships for inclusive recruitment.
• Vitamine T: French social-insertion group running interim and integration enterprises across logistics, construction, and services. Closely comparable IAE business model with similar employer-of-record and skills-training focus.
• APF France Handicap: Major French disability organization operating insertion enterprises and adapted work. Comparable target population (people with disabilities/AAH beneficiaries) and similar reliance on France Travail/Cap Emploi referral channels for social and professional integration.
• Emmaüs France: Federation of French social solidarity organizations running insertion through economic activity (recycling, resale, logistics). Highly comparable social-enterprise model with similar IAE-framework dependency and beneficiary focus on excluded populations.
• Coallia: Large French social operator running insertion activities, accommodation, and asylum services. Comparable scale, multi-region French footprint, and mixed production/consulting revenue model.

Broad incumbents

• Manpower France: Major French staffing firm already partnering with ARES on inclusive qualifying pathways. Comparable end-customer (employers seeking labor) but operates at much larger scale without the social-insertion charter.

Others

• France Travail: French national public employment service that prescribes candidates to ARES via the Plateforme de l'Inclusion. Not a competitor but a critical ecosystem partner whose policy decisions shape ARES's beneficiary flow.

Emerging players

• Mozaik RH: French recruitment firm and foundation (Mozaik Fondation) specializing in diversity sourcing and inclusive hiring. Comparable DEI consulting to employers but operates in a more traditional staffing model.
• Each One: French social enterprise focused on inclusive recruitment coaching and integration support for refugees and excluded populations. Comparable DEI/inclusion mission and B2B employer partnerships; narrower scope than ARES.

Regional players

• GEIQ BTP / Federation GEIQ: National federation of employer groups for insertion and qualification (GEIQ) in France, focused on alternance/qualifying pathways in construction and other sectors. Comparable channel role for BTP beneficiary insertion; less production activity focus.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCOnKH5KmvVd6dKp5Sa4Xd-w
• Facebookfacebook.com/groupeares
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/groupeares
• Xx.com/AresAssociation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ares