Growth in France for information services in 1996 did not outstrip that of 1995, increasing by 4.5% this year, compared to 4.6% last year, for total revenues of approximately $13.8m, says Syntec, the country’s association of system engineering companies. When international revenues are included the growth rate jumps to 7%, or $18.3m. The French market remains morose compared to its English and German counterparts, says Syntec, which grew at rates of 15% and 10%, respectively. The biggest problem in France, says Syntec, is the public administration sector, which is completely broken down, whereas banking and insurance are quite healthy. Government expenditures on information technology dropped between 1% and 2% over 1995, representing only 48% of French system companies’ revenues. While systems integration and facilities management activities dropped slightly over 1995, consulting revenues were up 10%.
