Management Consultants in France - Market Size, Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecasts (2025-2029)

Management Consultants in France industry analysis

Management consultants’ expertise is sought after by businesses across all sectors of the economy as well as government departments. Broader economic conditions and business sentiment play a role in the industry’s performance. However, the provision of countercyclical services like risk management and cost-cutting strategies helps sustain revenue during times of heightened uncertainty. Despite some global management consultancy firms, the large number of small firms keeps market share concentration low. Revenue is expected to climb at a compound annual rate of 6.4% over the five years through 2025, including a 2.1% rise in 2025 to €53.8 billion.
Growing investment in technologies by organisations has fuelled demand for IT strategy consulting. While a rising number of French businesses has expanded the potential client pool for consultants, a cutback in government spending amid criticism of over-reliance on external consultants has constrained revenue growth. The COVID-19 pandemic hindered demand in 2020 as businesses cut back on non-essential, costly external consultants. Despite these challenges, consultants have tapped into resilient areas like risk management and cost optimisation, particularly across the government, healthcare and financial services sectors. Demand for management consultants rebounded in 2021 and 2022 as business sentiment and activity picked up at the tail-end of the pandemic. The surge in M&A and business investment stimulated demand for consultancy services. Higher consultancy fees also helped bump up revenue. However, recent economic and geopolitical uncertainties, amplified by inflationary pressures and political instability in France, have dampened business investment and slowed down dealmaking. The shaky economic climate has hindered spending on management consultants over the two years through 2025.
Revenue is forecast to hike at a compound annual rate of 4% over the five years through 2030 to €65.6 billion. Lower inflation and interest rates will likely boost business sentiment, investment and M&A activity, supporting consultancy demand. The need for strategic IT solutions will climb as businesses invest in making operations digital and adopting advanced technology like AI. Evolving regulations, particularly those targeting environmental compliance and financial services, will offer lucrative opportunities. Firms that bolster digital capabilities and expertise in environmental consulting stand to benefit and expand their market share.

Trends and Insights

• COVID-19 hinders demand for management consultants. Businesses aiming to preserve cash reduced spending on non-essential services like consultancy amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Though, some companies sought risk management and restructuring advice to help weather the challenging environment.
• Technology adoption across the economy fuels IT strategy consulting. Rising digitalisation and tech advances encourage businesses to seek advice on digital strategy and the implementation of technology that boosts operational efficiency.
• The industry is highly fragmented, with many small specialist firms. This is due to the ease of establishing new consultancies and the move towards specialisation in specific industries and niche markets. Large firms have the resources to cover various consultancy services.