Viavoice – HEC Paris – L’Express Barometer: 85% of French People See Family Businesses as an Asset for France

Conducted in September 2025 among 1,001 French citizens and 400 business leaders, the Viavoice – HEC Paris – L’Express Decision-Makers Barometer highlights the unique role of family businesses in the French economy.

Amid growing economic and political uncertainty, these companies stand out as a source of stability, trust, and social cohesion. 

The French strongly favor the family business model, and the findings are unequivocal: 

• 85% of French citizens and 84% of business leaders consider the presence of family businesses in France to be “an asset for the country”;
• 63% associate them with the heritage of craftsmanship, and 56% with intergenerational transmission;
• 73% of the general public and 69% of decision-makers say they have greater trust in brands stemming from family-owned companies. 

A model of longevity and trust 

Family businesses are seen as resilient, embodying a more rooted, responsible, and human form of capitalism. 

They thus emerge as a key driver of confidence at a time when business leaders’ morale has fallen to one of its lowest levels since the 2008 financial crisis. 

“Family businesses are perceived as a pillar of longevity and trust for the French economy,” summarize Adrien Broche and François Miquet-Marty, Viavoice.

Download the complete Viavoice – HEC Paris – L’Express – BFM Business Barometer (EN)

Learn more about the HEC Paris - Family Business Center