In its survey of Private Equity activity in France for the 1st half of 2023, conducted in collaboration with Grant Thornton, France Invest questioned 318 management companies (a coverage rate of 90%). The benchmark organization notes "sustained investment in start-ups, SMEs and ETIs, particularly in the French territories, with fundraising returning to pre-Covid levels".
1398 companies and infrastructure projects benefited from €13.1 billion in financing in the first half of 2023.
12.5 billion euros were raised from subscribers, in line with long-term averages.
Family offices and individuals confirm their growing interest in Private Equity.
Activity has increased in the regions (excluding Île-de-France): investments have risen by 25% in terms of amounts and by 4% in terms of numbers, compared with historical averages. Some regions stood out for their activity: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes with 118 deals, Nouvelle-Aquitaine with 70 deals, Hauts-de-France with 63 and Occitanie, which completed 59 deals.
France Invest notes a sharp rise in the number of deals in the industrial and healthcare sectors (+11% and +9% compared with historical averages).40% of amounts invested in renewable energies.
"France continues to be attractive to foreign investors, and the market is benefiting from the enthusiasm of individuals and family offices, who remained active investors over the period. Medium-sized deals, up 20%, were the mainstay of investment over the period. Larger deals were less common, due to longer execution times and tighter financing conditions. In an uncertain macro-economic environment, Private Equity remains a major player in financing corporate growth," comments Thierry Dartus, Partner at Grant Thornton.
