French Businesses Remain Vulnerable to Geopolitical Market Disruptions

Dentons and DGA Group publish new survey: Geopolitical Resilience of French Companies Operating Abroad

Paris, November 12, 2024 – A new survey, conducted by OpinionWay on behalf of global law firm Dentons and multidisciplinary advisory firm DGA Group, reveals that businesses in France are facing significant challenges from market disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions.  While companies have implemented some risk mitigation measures, many remain underprepared in case of a major crisis.

The survey of 200 business leaders in France looks at the impact of geopolitical risk on businesses and the measures they are implementing to manage that risk. The report – entitled Geopolitical Resilience of French Companies Operating Abroad – also includes recommendations on how to enhance preparedness, based on Dentons’ and DGA Group’s experience assisting international clients in managing crisis situations.

Key findings include:

• 61% of respondents have been disrupted by geopolitical events over the past two years.

• Of those, 94% have experienced disruption as a result of Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, and 75% expect the disruption to continue into the future.

• 63% of companies have been impacted by supply chain disruptions, making it the top concern across industries. 64% have already implemented measures to diversify their supply chain, while 44% believe that they still have more to do in this area.

• 50% report exposure to market instability and changing regulations as challenges for their business.

• While 82% have invested in cybersecurity, fewer have implemented measures specifically to target geopolitical risk such as scenario planning (53%), geopolitical risk monitoring (38%) or training (36%).

• 82% of companies believe they can adapt their strategies to future risks, of which only 9% believe their business would be prepared to act very quickly.

• 88% said their processes would be effective in ensuring business continuity, of which only 8% said they would be very effective.

“These findings highlight the pressing need for businesses to enhance their readiness for an increasingly volatile market environment,” said partner Pierre Parvine, Europe Co-Head of Industrials at Dentons. “There are various forms of legal protection that companies can implement now to protect their business in case of a major market disruption.  Most importantly, advanced preparation can help your company act fast, which is essential to preserving value in difficult times.”

“Our research demonstrates that risk monitoring and broader strategic planning remain insufficient in many organizations, while the level of risk continues to grow.  Companies must develop forward-looking strategies that anticipate future market disruptions, identify weak points, and establish crisis management protocols,” said Erwann Le Page, Partner and General Director of DGA Group in France.

Download the summary of key findings

About Dentons 

Across over 80 countries, Dentons helps you grow, protect, operate and finance your organization by providing uniquely global and deeply local legal solutions. Polycentric, purpose-driven and committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and sustainability, we focus on what matters most to you. www.dentons.com

About DGA Group

DGA Group is a global advisory firm that helps clients protect – and grow – what they have built in today’s complex business environment. We understand the challenges and opportunities in an increasingly regulated and interconnected world. Leveraging the expertise and experience of our team at Albright Stonebridge Group, a leader in global strategy and commercial diplomacy, and a deep bench of communications, public affairs, government relations and business intelligence consultants, we help clients navigate and shape global policy, reputational and financial issues. dgagroup.com

Contact
Amanda Lowe Europe PR and Communications Director, Dentons +34 649 426 801 amanda.lowe@dentons.com

Melissa Kresse Chief Content Officer, DGA Group +1 (212) 466-6450 x 1672 Melissa.Kresse@dgagroup.com