1976 Lectra sells its first computer-aided design (CAD) systems for apparel pattern-making and grading. It employs fewer than 10 people when its two founders meet André Harari, a pioneer of venture capital in France. He raises the necessary capital to implement the company’s business development plan. His investment firm, Compagnie Financière du Scribe, becomes Lectra’s second-biggest shareholder. The following year, Lectra gains its first foothold in international markets.

1985 Lectra enters the field of computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) with the launch of its first automated fabric cutting system and becomes the world leader in CAD solutions for the apparel industry. Its technology offer and international presence already respond to needs created by economic globalization.

1987 Initial public offering.

1990 Lectra is hit by a serious financial crisis. André Harari and Daniel Harari, already minority shareholders through their investment firm, Compagnie Financière du Scribe (which merged with Lectra in 1998), propose a rescue plan. In 1991, they recapitalize the company and take over its management. This new team immediately implements a recovery plan followed by a strategic redeployment, launching an extensive R&D program, renewing the company’s entire product range, accelerating its geographical expansion, and moving into new market sectors (furniture, automobile, etc.). The company’s business model is transformed.

2000 Lectra becomes Number One worldwide. After 25 years of internal growth, Lectra makes its first targeted acquisitions in 1998.

2001-2005 Facing worsening global economic conditions in 2001, Lectra once again takes drastic measures to reestablish solid operating fundamentals. It makes three acquisitions in 2004, including Investronica Sistemas (Number Three worldwide). The end of textile quotas in 2005 boosts the company’s evolution in line with its new strategic challenges and mid-term development opportunities.

2007The result of five years of research and development and a total investment of nearly €50 million, Lectra’s new technology offer is unveiled at Lectra World 2007. Lectra further extends its leadership with the launch of the new generation of Vector automated cutting systems, to this day unequalled in terms of performance, and its pioneering Smart Services range. It also reinforces its education partnerships. Lectra carries out a successful public stock buyback tender offer for 20% of its capital stock.

2008-2009 The global economy experiences an economic and financial crisis on an unprecedented scale. The company bears the full weight of its impact on customers, and all of Lectra’s market sectors and geographic markets are affected. Demonstrating once again its resilience, Lectra takes stringent measures to cut administrative expenses while preserving its core strengths, reinforcing its financial fundamentals, and continuing to invest vigorously in R&D. It reinvents itself once more to emerge from the crisis stronger than ever. In 2009, it launches V2R1 versions of its design offer, Kaledo, and its collection lifecycle management solution, Lectra Fashion PLM, both devised specifically for the fashion industry.

2010Lectra is ready for the post-crisis “reset economy” and is fully equipped to come out on top over the coming years.