Business take-over &
Partnerships
Our latest offers of
French companies
looking for partners or
buyers!

2005 once again demonstrated the attractiveness of France as an investment location. In a difficult and highly competitive international context, all indicators confirm international investors’ confidence in the country. In 2005, foreign investments in France reached a record level of 664 projects creating or maintaining 32 296 jobs.

Inward investment in France is marked by predominance of European investors. Again in 2005 they were responsible for 58,6% of foreign-generated employment in France. The United States contributed to almost 30% of all jobs created or consolidated in 2005 (2004: 28%). Also German companies increased their investments, confirming their position as the most important European investors, accounting for 20,1% of the jobs. In third position are British companies (8,6%) and in fourth place is Sweden, this year contributing to 7,5% of the job creation.

During 2005 the Nordics contributed to over 3000 jobs in France. Danish companies invested more than usual in 2005 achieved 11 projects (433 jobs and 13th position for job creation). Finnish and Norwegian companies accounted for 6 projects each and created 222 and 137 jobs. 32 Swedish projects were registered in 2005 and these resulted in the creation or consolidation of 2247 jobs.

In terms of fusions and acquisitions France remains a leader of FDI (Foreign Direct Investments). With 40 billion Euros of FDI in 2005, France doubled its score since last year and comes in fourth place after United Kingdom (which with a fusion in the energy sector scored exceptionally high), China and the United States.

According to a Thomson Financial-study, 421 French companies were acquired by foreign enterprises in 2005 for a total sum of 37 billion euros. During a period of five years, around 1900 French companies have been concerned by take-over from a foreign company (Le Quotidien du Peuple online magazine).

Source: IFA (2006) 2005 Annual report on Foreign Direct Investment in France.

What makes a country an attractive destination for an investor? According to Michael Porter in The Competitive Advantage of Nations, the main attractiveness criteria are: the quality of the domestic market, its infrastructure development, the ability to offer companies an environment mixing a spirit of competition and a spirit of cooperation, and lastly, the excellence of the academic and scientific milieus.

When assessed against these criteria, France is undoubtedly one of the most attractive European countries and one of the world champions with the greatest potential. The strengths on which France relies for its future are its constant search for excellence, its capacity to anticipate developments so as to meet the demands of a constantly changing market, and its ambition to stand in the first rank. It relies too on its network of innovative businesses and the outstanding performance of its big companies.

The report on the reforms enhancing France’s attractiveness is available here. Check out what has been done in your sector:

               Aerospace – Number 1 global competitiveness cluster
               Agribusiness – France’s number one industrial sector
               Automotive – 5 competitiveness clusters
               Biotechnologies – 3 global competitiveness clusters
               Chemicals – France’s 2nd largest industrial sector
               Logistics – Access to 456 million consumers in less than 48 h
               Telecommunications – European Nr 1 for unbundling

A new publication on biotechnologies by DGE, UBIFRANCE, AFII, France Biotech, LEEM, Comité Adebiotech is available here. To download this publication and many more about other business sectors, click on the icon or visit the Invest in France Library

IFA Nordic Countries

The Invest in France Agency is the official body for international investments France. Our presence is both regional and worldwide:

17 offices around the world, North America, Asia and Europe.
40 regional agencies in France, including regional development agencies, chambers of commerce and professional networks.

Our Services:

The Invest in France Agency provides free & confidential advice and practical assistance for companies setting up or expanding operations in France.

1. Information on investment issues

The Agency provides complete information for companies setting up or expanding operations in France. This covers:

Prevailing economic climate
Legal framework and tax laws
Access to markets
Labour productivity
Technological and scientific resources
Labour and social security regulations
Financial aid available at the national and/or regional levels
Introduction to additional sources of financing and more.

2. Customised, confidential and practical assistance

The Agency identifies the most suitable sites to meet the investing company's strategy, industry and human resources requirements. The Agency's team of professionals organises visits to short listed sites, and arranges contacts with local authorities and service providers. These specialists also provide analysis on:

The local environment in the investor's industry
Data on research and technology centres
Production costs, site advantages
Construction and installation costs
The choice between purchase and rental of business premises and other relevant considerations

3. Securing public support

In co¬operation with the concerned parties, the Invest in France Agency researches and maximises the financial incentives available for each investment project. We also advise investing firms on tax matters, organises meetings with local officials and assists in administrative procedures.

4. Ongoing assistance

Once the new business is operational, the Agency continues to provide support to ensure that the unit is profitable by:
Acting as liaison between the company and local authorities.
Assisting expatriates and their families with housing, education, healthcare and training.