
The Dutreil Pact: how British business owners in France can reduce inheritance tax by up to 75%
If you are a British national who owns a business in France, this article explains how the Dutreil Pact can

We don’t just look after you, we look out for you. That means we bring you insights, advice and keep you up to date on all kinds of legal matters so you can keep ahead.
We match a member of the team with the right expertise to every client, who will invest time getting to know you, who will look after your interests and ensure you have access to the whole firm when you need it.
The legal and financial matters might be complex, but we aim to keep things straightforward and explain everything in terms that are relevant to you.
For many of our clients, buying a house in France is a life-long dream. Whether you are planning a permanent move, a holiday home or an investment, the process can feel unfamiliar and complex. The French legal system is very different from that in England and Wales. Contracts, timelines and obligations all work differently.
With Tees, we will ensure there are no misunderstandings which can lead to costly issues. We help you understand what is happening at every stage. We explain your options clearly and guide you through the legal process so you can move with confidence.
A French Avocat provides legal expertise within the French system and works alongside your UK advisers. This is particularly important when dealing with:
You should also bare in mind that you might need to make a French will – our experts can advise if that is the case.
Our French avocat Hervé Blatry speaks both French and English fluently and has many years’ experience helping clients navigate the French legal system.
You may already be working with an estate agent or a notaire in France. However, it is important to understand that their role is not the same as having your own independent legal adviser. We act for you. That means:
protecting your interests throughout the transaction
explaining French legal documents in plain English
identifying risks before you commit
making sure deadlines and obligations are met
Even if you speak French fluently, legal terminology and procedures can still be difficult to navigate. Having specialist advice ensures nothing is missed.
We know that delays and uncertainty can be frustrating, especially when buying abroad.
You can expect us to:
respond quickly and keep you updated
explain complex issues in clear language
take ownership of problems and resolve them
focus on practical solutions that move your purchase forward
Our role is to make the process easier for you.

I just wanted to thank you for all your help in the purchase of our apartment. You and your team have made the process much more straight forward and knowing we had your knowledge and expertise behind us, has made our property purchase journey in France so much less stressful.
Miss Isobel Corbett

We have been advising clients on buying and selling property in France for over 20 years. During that time, we have worked on a wide range of transactions, from holiday homes to high-value investments.
We take a straightforward and proactive approach when helping you purchase property in Francy. From your first enquiry through to completion, we focus on making the process as smooth as possible.
reviewing and explaining purchase contracts
advising on the French buying process and timelines
liaising with notaires, agents and other parties
identifying and managing legal risks
advising on ownership structures and tax implications
supporting with French wills and succession planning.
We will tell you what needs to happen next and keep things moving.

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