International commercial due diligence in France

If you are going to invest in a company with international expansion plans, you want to make sure that their product or service has good chances of being successful in the countries where you have ambitions.

This of course is also important for France. Only with the right knowledge about demand, competition and regulations it is wise to invest in market entry.
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Business opportunities in France

France, one of Europe’s largest economies, is a key market for international businesses. Known for its strong consumer culture, diverse industries, and strategic location, France offers numerous opportunities for growth. However, understanding the local market dynamics is essential.

Key Market Numbers

France is a highly developed country with significant global influence. Below are some important statistics about the French market:

  • Population: Approximately 68 million (2023), with a median age of around 42 years.
  • GDP per capita: Around $47,000 USD (2023), reflecting strong consumer purchasing power.
  • Urbanization: About 82% of the population lives in urban areas, with Paris, Marseille, and Lyon as major urban centers.
  • Economic Structure: Services dominate the economy, contributing about 70% of GDP, followed by industry and agriculture. France is a global leader in luxury goods, automotive, and agriculture.
  • Ageing Population: Yes, France is experiencing an ageing population, but at a slower pace than many other European countries, thanks to a relatively high birth rate.

Language and Documentation

Language is a critical factor when entering the French market. French is not just the official language but also a cultural cornerstone.

  • Official Language: French is the primary language for business, legal, and consumer interactions.
  • Language Considerations: English is not as widely used in everyday business as in some neighboring countries. While larger companies and urban professionals may speak English, using French for packaging, marketing, and customer service is highly recommended for success in the local market.
  • Packaging and Documentation: French law requires products sold in the country to include labels and instructions in French, particularly in regulated sectors like food, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. English-only materials may limit market acceptance.

Consumer and B2B Buying Behavior

France’s buying behavior is shaped by its culture, focus on quality, and strong emphasis on aesthetics and tradition.

  • Consumer Behavior: French consumers are highly discerning and value quality, brand heritage, and environmental sustainability. They are also price-conscious and appreciate promotions and discounts. In 2023, around 85% of internet users in France shopped online, indicating the growing importance of e-commerce.
  • B2B Buying Behavior: French businesses emphasize formal relationships, trust, and long-term collaboration. Decision-making can be centralized and hierarchical, especially in traditional industries. Having local representatives or partners can significantly ease market entry.
  • Online Presence: E-commerce is steadily growing, with France being one of Europe’s top markets for online retail. An optimized digital strategy is crucial for both B2C and B2B businesses.

Market Challenges and Opportunities

France offers many opportunities but also presents challenges for international businesses.

  • Products/Services that May Struggle: Products that are not adapted to local tastes, lack French-language support, or fail to meet the high quality and sustainability expectations of French consumers may face difficulties. Additionally, overly aggressive sales tactics may be poorly received.
  • Test Market Potential: France’s diverse consumer base and strong urbanization make it an excellent test market, especially for luxury goods, technology, and innovative services. However, adapting to local preferences and regulations is essential for success.

Use our network for your due diligence

With local people in over 30 countries around the world, we can quickly do a regulatory, market and competition assessment in multiple markets at the same time. Connect with Alfred Griffioen to see what we can do and receive a quotation.

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    Research topics for new markets

    Where it comes to assessing the viability of a product or service in a new market, we always look at the following aspects:

    1. Regulatory compliance

    Can the product be imported and sold in the country, what are import duties and are there any restrictions on service delivery? What are the investments to comply to all regulations? 

    2. Market needs

    Is there a genuine demand for this product or service in the market and which aspects are decisive for the customers? What are common channels for marketing and sales?

    3. Competition

    How fierce is the competition and is there a clear market leader? Is there room for a new entrant and what happened to other companies trying to penetrate the market?

    4. Investments

    What steps are needed to enter the market and what are the related costs. How quickly can you expect revenue and what is a reasonable pay-back time?

    We make these assessment with local people in over 30 countries around the world, who report in a similar way. This way you get a good comparison and you can total up the investments needed for global growth.

    Comparing performance in existing markets

    If the company the we are assessing already has sales in different countries, we can determine distributor performance or sales staff performance. 

    We do this by correcting the actual turnover with data about:

    • the buying power in the market;
    • the geographical reach of the distributor or sales team;
    • the competition intensity;
    • the number of years active in the market.

    Combining the data of the various countries over time leads to a growth curve where overperformers and underperformers can be easily identified.

    We can then do selective interviews what causes any underperformance, and you can take corrective measures.

    A curve like this also helps to estimate the potential in a new market. 

    Turnover growth curve
    Share of wallet data comparison

    Before you focus only on France

    Please note that there are many countries in the world and the biggest ones or the ones nearby are not automatically the best choice. It all depends of the market growth, the competition and the barriers for entry. 

    Therefore I would advise you to make a short-list of at least three, but preferably five potential new markets and compare them against the same criteria.

    Frequently asked questions

    As in any country, also in France it is important to build your judgement on knowledge of the local situation. Given the population size, buying power, competition and local preferences, what is the real potential of the market?
    First look what elements make the market in France special. Then you can prioritize your time and look at regulations, competition, market growth and investments needed to grow your market share.