On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the first “Déjeuner des Lionnes et des Entrepreneurs” took place at the Shangri-La Paris, aimed at bringing together the finalists and winners of the Grand Prix des Lionnes alongside entrepreneurs and business leaders to discuss common challenges.
The day featured a roundtable discussion on the theme “From Local Champion to Global Leader: The Challenges of International Expansion for SMEs and ETIs“, with three distinguished speakers:
- Stéphane Carville (Asmodée)
- Fabrice Collet (B&B Hotels)
- Sophie Lacoste (Fusalp)
During the roundtable, Sophie Lacoste (Fusalp), Fabrice Collet (B&B Hotels), and Stéphane Carville (Asmodée) shared their experiences in international expansion. Sophie explained that internationalization was an integral part of Fusalp’s strategy, starting with Switzerland and then expanding to other countries. Fabrice emphasized the gradual expansion of B&B Hotels to minimize risks, selecting neighboring countries with similar cultures. Stéphane favored external growth, targeting fragmented markets such as the United States.
All three speakers highlighted the importance of adapting the offer, choosing strong local partners, and integrating teams effectively. Sophie advised preparing for costly initial investments, especially in the United States. The three of them stressed the importance of strategically managing resources and maintaining a clear vision for success in international markets.
