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Many public companies trading on the Paris Stock Exchange have shareholder clubs (AKA "club des actionnaires"). In this article we're going to take a look at what companies offer, why, and how to join.
If you're a shareholder in a company that offers the club, and meets the Minimum Share Requirement (MSR), you can join!
As a public company, one of the goals of having a shareholder club is to have more engaged and active shareholders. This can lead to better communication between the company and its shareholders, as well as provide some benefits to shareholders such as exclusive events or access to information.
A shareholder club can also be a way for a company to build loyalty among its shareholders. This can be important when it comes time to vote on important matters such as changes to the company's strategy or electing new directors.
In France, many companies have clubs like these due to the higher number of individual investors, more engagement with this group, . These clubs have also been engraved in French corporate culture, so many companies see it as a necessity to offer one.
Let's take a look at some popular French companies that offer shareholder clubs.
LVMH
LVMH, offers its shareholders access to exclusive events, such as fashion shows, vineyard tours, and art exhibitions. Shareholders also get discounts on LVMH products and invitations to private sales.
They sent ShareClub some information about what the club is for, it's history, and what they offer:
The Club was created in 1994 by the Financial communications department. Tailored to individual shareholders who show a special interest in what is happening at the Group, the LVMH Shareholders’ Club gives its members a better understanding of LVMH, its businesses and its brands.
We send Club members several publications, such as the Annual Report, the twice yearly Letter to Shareholders and the annual issue of Apartés, our Club magazine. Club members can visit exceptional premises where they receive an especially warm welcome: from Hennessy’s centuries’ old cellars to the magnificent crayères at Veuve Clicquot. They also get the opportunity to discover our Maisons at unique locations such as the Louis Vuitton workshops in Asnières.
In addition to special offers on a selection of the Group’s wines and spirits, for delivery in France only, Club members can purchase discounted subscriptions to Group media publications – Les Échos, Investir, Le Parisien and Connaissance des Arts – and order priority-access tickets for the Fondation Louis Vuitton. We have dedicated employees for the Shareholders’ Club, under the responsibility of the Financial Communication department.
Renault Group
The Renault Group is a French multinational automobile manufacturer founded in 1899. It is the third largest car manufacturer in Europe and has a global presence. Some of Renault's brands include Renault, Dacia, Renault Samsung Motors, Alpine, and Lada.
Renault offers its shareholders access to exclusive events, such as factory tours and test drives. They also send shareholders information about the company, such as financial reports and shareholder letters.
If you're a Renault shareholder and want to join the shareholder club, you can visit their website for more information.
Air France KLM
Air France KLM is a French-Dutch airline company that was formed in 2004 by the merger of Air France and KLM. It is the largest airline in Europe and operates worldwide. Some of Air France KLM's brands include Air France, KLM, Transavia, and HOP!.
Vivendi
Vivendi is a French multinational mass media company with interests in music, television, and video games. Some of Vivendi's brands include Universal Music Group, Canal+, and Activision Blizzard.
Vivendi offers its shareholders access to exclusive events, such as concerts and movie premieres. They also send shareholders information about the company, such as financial reports and shareholder letters.
If you're a Vivendi shareholder and want to join the shareholder club, you can visit their website for more information.
VINCI
VINCI is a French construction and civil engineering company. It was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Rueil-Malmaison, France. Some of VINCI's brands include VINCI Construction, Eurovia, and VINCI Energies.
VINCI offers its shareholders access to exclusive events, such as factory/site tours. They also send shareholders information about the company, such as financial reports and shareholder letters.
Orange
Orange is a French telecommunications company that was founded in 1994. It is the largest telecommunications company in France and has a global presence. Some of Orange's brands include Orange, Sosh, and Groupama.
Paris Airport (Groupe ADP)
Paris Airport (Groupe ADP) is a French airport company that was founded in 2001. It is the largest airport operator in Europe and operates worldwide. Some of Paris Airport's brands include Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly, and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
Now, let's take a look at how to join a shareholder club if you're eligible.
- The first step is to find out if your company offers a shareholder club. This information can usually be found on the company's website under "Investor Relations" or "Shareholders".
- If your company does have a shareholder club, the next step is to find out if you meet the minimum share requirement. This will vary from company to company, but is typically around 100 shares. For our American readers, most companies we've reached out to don't currently support ADR ownership. Because of this, you'll need to open a French brokerage account, buy stock, and then apply. (It's worth noting that ShareClub is working to change this. Sign up for our platform to get updates)
- Once you've confirmed that you're eligible, the next step is to fill out an application form which can be found on the company's website or through their Investor Relations department.
- The final step is to wait for your application to be processed. This can take a few weeks, but once you're approved you'll receive confirmation and instructions on how to access the benefits of the club.
If you're a shareholder in a French company, it's definitely worth looking into whether or not they offer a shareholder club. It can be a great way to stay informed and engaged with the company, as well as receive some benefits.
