Our commitments

Building SME champions

In 2022, Montefiore Investment teamed up with Challenges and PwC to launch le Grand Prix des Lionnes, an annual competition that puts the spotlight firmly on SMEs and mid caps, rewarding them for their sound and sustainable business models, the dedication of their senior leaders and the strength of their projects.

What is the best business metric? While some prefer to celebrate Unicorns (for their financial valuation) or Centaurs (for their recurring earnings), Montefiore has chosen to focus on Lionesses. These are independent French SMEs and mid caps that combine two key qualities:

Record growth of more
than 10% over the long run

Generate solid returns, enabling them to fund their development, invest and innovate

KEY FIGURES

2022

award created

companies recognised

+500

candidates

True to Montefiore Investment’s long-held convictions and our determination to promote high-performing and sustainable trajectories, the Grand Prix des Lionnes recognises the growth models of truly outstanding companies. While they are often overlooked in the public discourse, SMEs and mid caps are vital to the modernisation of our economy, our re-industrialisation and our green transition.

The Grand Prix des Lionnes turns the spotlight onto these firms, which make up 55% of jobs in the private sector (not counting micro-businesses), 50% of the value added generated by French companies and almost 50% of export values. By supporting the strategic acceleration of these key players, Montefiore Investment is helping to stimulate the French economy’s largest pool of jobs and competitiveness.

Le Grand Prix des Lionnes

”In the complicated times ahead, we are going to need entrepreneurs. Because they have the resources, because they know how to adapt and because they know how to innovate. Because they see any headwind as first and foremost a wind that can be harnessed. The Lionesses celebrated in these awards are ready for whatever the coming challenges may bring.
Edouard PhilippeFormer Prime Minister, Mayor of Le Havre, President of the Le Havre Seine Métropole conurbation

”I'm delighted to see that the Lionesses of Montefiore are celebrating high-potential SMEs. These are the very people who are spearheading the creation of value and jobs in our economy, but also the driving forces behind major transitions.
Olivia GrégoireMinister attached to the Minister for the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, with responsibility for Business, Tourism and Consumer Affairs

”With their profitable and sustainable growth models, Lionesses have a major role to play in transforming and modernising our economy. The Grand Prix des Lionnes seeks to reward and recognise them.
Eric BismuthChairman of Montefiore Investment

”95% of the members of MEDEF, France's employers' federation, are SMEs and mid caps. These companies have a beneficial impact on their ecosystem especially at the regional level, and are working to advance the environmental transition. We are proud to present this award as part of our partnership.
Paola FabianiVice-Chair of MEDEF in charge of entrepreneurship and spokesperson of MEDEF's Comex40, Chair and Founder of Wisecom