BMI's Executive Summary

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France is one of the most visited countries in the world with almost 75mn tourists each year. In terms of income derived from foreign tourism, France is ranked third. The country's economy is one of the strongest, both in Europe as well as in the world. France is also home to some of the world's leading players in the construction industry, which grew at a rate of 4.1% y-o-y in 2006. This report forecasts that the industry will grow at an average of 2.75% during 2008-12.

French construction companies have developed a very high reputation for themselves in the international market, as is evident from the large number of international contracts they have won in the past few years. A diversified outlay of investments – roads, railways, airports and power plants – has enabled almost all the segments of French infrastructure to grow. However, it is property construction – residential and commercial – that is witnessing an uptrend after a brief slowdown, and catalysing industry growth. Major infrastructural endeavours in the country include the construction of an underground tunnel line in Toulon, a high-speed railway link between Tours and Bordeaux and a combined-cycle power plant in Bourgogne.

The French infrastructure sector, however, is plagued by a few problems. The sector is governed by stringent regulations, which act as a barrier to growth by discouraging entry of new players into the market. The tax rates in the country remain one of the highest in Europe. In addition, the budgetary deficit and unemployment levels are some of the other macro-economic factors that could impede the industry's growth.

The construction industry in France is expected to grow at a modest pace. It is forecast to reach a value of EUR284.73bn (US$477.3bn) in 2012.

Contents

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Chapter 1 - Executive Summary

Chapter 2 - Industry Trends and Developments

Market Overview

France’s Economy in 2006

France’s Construction Industry in 2006

Some Recent Investment Initiatives

Chapter 3 - Key Projects

Transport

Utilities

Residential and Commercial Construction

Table: France-Major Infrastructure Projects

Chapter 4 - Business Environment

Table: Developed World Business Environment Ranking

Business Environment Ranking

Economics – Long-term Risk

Politics – Long-term Risk

Construction Growth

Competitive Environment

Anticipated Potential

Chapter 5 - SWOT Analysis

France Infrastructure Industry SWOT

France Economic SWOT

France Political SWOT

Chapter 6 - Industry Forecast Scenario

Table: France Infrastructure--Historic Data & Forecasts

Chapter 7 - Macroeconomic Outlook

Table: France - Macroeconomic Forecasts

Chapter 8 - Country Snapshot: France Demographic Data

Section 1: Population

Table: Demographic Indicators (2005)

Table: Rural/Urban Breakdown

Section 2: Healthcare

Table: Healthcare--Vital Statistics

Table: Healthcare – Expenditure

Section 3: Labour Market And Spending Power

Table: Employment Indicators

Table: Consumption And Stratification

Table: Wages Per Annum

Chapter 9 - Competitive Landscape

Table: Key Players

Chapter 10 - Company Monitor

VINCI

Lafarge

Bouygues Construction

Chapter 11 - BMI Forecast Modelling

How we generate our Industry Forecasts

Construction Industry

Sources

Competitive Landscape for Europe Infrastructure Reports: Sample of Companies Ranked

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Comparative company analyses and rankings by sales, % market share, employees, registration date and ownership structure. Company profiles include fully researched senior executives and contact details, business activity and leading products and services. SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) of the state’s business environment, infrastructure sector, politics and economics, which carefully evaluates the short- and medium-term issues facing the industry.

Network of European Infrastructure Sources

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BMI's European Infrastructure Reports are based on an extensive network of multilateral organisations, government departments, infrastructure industry associations, chambers of commerce and company reports. Information sources include: