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The strength of the
Franco-American business relationship increases each day as
connections between enterprises and organizations continually expand
and diversify.
There are
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more than 2,423 French
companies in the US, providing
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more than
500 000 direct jobs and
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generating an estimated turnover of
$160 billion.
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more than 21,000 companies export
in the United States—1 exporter for every 5.
In 2003, the Main French acquisitions in the US took place in high-tech (Business Objects/Crystal Decisions Inc.;
Alcatel/TiMetra), marketing services (Taylor Nelson Sofres/NFO
WorldGroup Inc.), and the chemicals industry (Rhône Capital
LLC/Alcoa Specialty Chemicals). California stands out as the state
for
hosting the most French-owned U.S. affiliates subsidiaries with the
most employment.
U.S and European
systems are completely different in terms of statutory
regulations, financing, marketing and employment, running a business
in U.S. So it requires continual
vigilance and an active response to challenges, internally and
externally. Success results from a variety of factors including
careful planning, solid business management techniques, and creative
problem solving.
All these factors depend on knowledge and
skills that can be learned and developed. In some cases it is better
to consult professionals for greater expertise. Free and/or low-cost
assistance is available from a number of organizations and agencies.
This document provides a plethora of
information and resources for business entrepreneurs, owners, and
managers who have arrived to California from France and intend to
start a business. The contents of this guide are the fundamental
elements for any French entrepreneur to be knowledgeable about while
making a first business step in California.
The overwhelming strength of this document lies
in its links. It has further information with numerous, up-to-date
resources, helpful reminders, and contact with legal professionals,
established firms, and appropriate public departments that will help
you complete each section appropriately.
Testimonial
Olivier Picciotto, Twinsoft, a market leader company in
Enterprise Mashups.
"I got closer to the French
American Chamber of Commerce San Francisco with the project to
develop a presence in San Francisco. I came to San Francisco on
April 2008 with three main objectives: make relations with press,
Business Angels, and lawyers. My well established assumptions
about French technology not appreciated in the US were swept away.
We made around 200 contacts, and 17 needed a follow-up. Potential
clients doesn’t mind if the product is not from the United States,
and French technology has a pretty good reputation. One of my main
conclusions is that San Francisco is definitively the place to be
when you are in the software industry. "
The
information on this site is not intended to constitute legal advice
or to substitute for obtaining legal advice from an attorney
licensed in your state. This web site is not intended to be
advertising under applicable laws and ethical rules. These
materials have been prepared by the French American Chamber of
Commerce with the expertise of our staff and members for
informational purposes only and are not legal advice. Anyone
viewing the information should not act upon it without seeking
professional counsel. The information contained in this website is
provided only as general information which may or may not reflect
the most current legal developments.
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Start
your business