cofrex

What cofrex does

COFREX (Compagnie Française des Expositions) is a French SAS (Société par Actions Simplifiée) founded in January 2018 with 100% public capital, mandated to prepare, organize, and execute France's participation in World and International Expos under the Bureau International des Expositions framework. It is the first permanent French structure dedicated to this purpose, replacing the previous practice of building ad-hoc entities for each event, which produced no institutional continuity of expertise or partnerships. The company is wholly owned by the French State and governed by a board drawn from four contributing ministries (Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Economy; Ministry of Ecological Transition; Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation) plus independent directors. Headquarters are located at 77 Boulevard Saint-Jacques, Paris.

COFREX's core deliverable is the France Pavilion at each Expo, encompassing architecture, scenography, immersive technology, and thematic programming. The Osaka 2025 Pavilion (April–October 2025), themed 'Un hymne à l'Amour', integrated architecture by Coldefy and CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati, scenography by GSM Project, a 1:1 digital twin built with Dassault Systèmes, spatial audio research with IRCAM, a luminous installation with 1.25 million light points, and a 360° interactive virtual tour — the first in pavilion history — that attracted 534,000 online visitors during the Expo and continues to draw 70,000+ post-closure. Supplementary offerings include thematic fortnight programming, B2B delegation hosting (3,200+ official and 600+ business delegations at Osaka), and a partner co-marketing program.

The business model is institutional and event-driven rather than commercial. Primary revenue consists of state allocations (€42.5M from ministries for Osaka 2025), supplemented by corporate partner contributions across Gold, thematic, and donor tiers (€14M at Osaka), in-kind materials, and skills-based sponsorship (mécénat de compétence from Bureau Veritas and Mazars). Customers span the French government (mandate holder), corporate sponsors (AXA, LVMH, Saint-Gobain, Ninapharm, Vins d'Alsace), regional authorities (Dunkerque, Hauts-de-France), cultural institutions (Musée Rodin, GrandPalaisRmn, Notre-Dame, Mont Saint-Michel), and trade promotion bodies (Business France, CCI France Japon, CEFJ). Operating surplus from Osaka 2025 (€4.5M) was returned to the French State for reinvestment in the Belgrade 2027 and Riyadh 2030 Expos. A local subsidiary, Republic of France Pavilion – Osaka 2025 (RFP Osaka 2025), was constituted in December 2022 to manage Japan-side operations.

Name

cofrex

Legal name

Compagnie Française des Expositions (COFREX)

Website

https://cofrex.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Short description

COFREX is the French State's permanent SAS for organizing France's participation in World and International Expos. Wholly state-owned, it manages the France Pavilion at each event, coordinating ministries, corporate partners, regional authorities, and cultural institutions to showcase French savoir-faire.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

International Exhibition Management / National Pavilion Organization

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)

akta.pro primary industry

Pavilion & Country/Group Exhibit Build-Outs (THAHAHAD)

Keywords

• World expo management
• National pavilion services
• International exhibition organization
• Diplomatic event management
• Corporate partnership programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Paris

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Government funding and public subsidies: COFREX's primary revenue consists of government funding from the French State, primarily disbursed through four contributing ministries (Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Ecological Transition, Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation). The Pavillon France Osaka 2025 received 42.5 M€ in state support. COFREX is a SAS (Société par Actions Simplifiée) with 100% public (state) capital.
2. Corporate partnerships and sponsorship: Corporate partners contribute financially (Gold partner tier), in-kind (products, materials, services), or through skills-based sponsorship (mécénat de compétence). The Pavillon France Osaka 2025 raised 14 M€ from partners. Partnership tiers include Gold partners, thematic partners, and donors. Mécénat is eligible under Article 238 bis of the French General Tax Code.
3. Operating surplus and returned dividends to the State: After managing costs effectively, COFREX returned 4.5 M€ to the French State as surplus from the Pavillon France Osaka 2025, which will be reinvested in future Expos (Belgrade 2027 and Riyadh 2030).

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

COFREX prepares, organizes, and implements France's participation in Universal and International Exhibitions under mandate from the French State. It manages the full lifecycle of the Pavillon France at each BIE-registered Expo — from conception, architecture and scenography through construction, partner programming, on-site operations, and post-event digital legacy — exemplified by Expo 2020 Dubai and Expo 2025 Osaka, with upcoming Belgrade 2027 and Riyadh 2030.

Product overview

COFREX (Compagnie Française des Expositions) is a SAS public-capital company that serves as France's permanent structure for organizing participation in Universal and International Exhibitions. The company's core offering centers on the France Pavilion—a flagship national presence at World Expos—spanning its design, construction, scenography, and operation. COFREX delivers the physical France Pavilion at events like Expo 2025 Osaka and Expo 2020 Dubai, supplemented by thematic two-week programming events, a virtual 360° pavilion tour, and a partner/membership program enabling French companies to showcase innovation to international audiences. The company also manages future expo planning for Belgrade 2027 and Riyadh 2030.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Pavillon France — World/International Expo Organization
• Pavillon France Partner Program
• 360° Immersive Virtual Pavilion Tour

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 5 million physical visitors and 534,000 virtual visitors to the Pavillon France at Osaka 2025
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

AI capability3 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

36 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AXAcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 April 2025AXA, the global insurance and asset management leader, became a Gold partner of the Pavillon France at Osaka 2025. AXA contributed material and financial support and was part of the permanent exhibition programming. In Japan, AXA has 9,000 employees, ~4 million customers, and generated over 5 billion euros in revenue in 2022.
• LVMHcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 April 2025LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) contributed to the scenography of the Pavillon France at Osaka 2025, as part of the core partnership team that also included AXA, Ninapharm, and Vins d'Alsace.
• ENGIEminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 April 2025ENGIE was referenced as an ambassador partner at the Pavillon France Dubai 2020, presenting innovative energy solutions as part of the permanent exhibition.
• Musée RodinminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 April 2025The Musée Rodin loaned artworks to the Pavillon France for the Osaka 2025 exhibition, contributing to the cultural programming aligned with the 'Hymne à l'Amour' theme.
• Notre-Dame de ParisminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 April 2025Notre-Dame de Paris loaned objects/artifacts to the Pavillon France for the Osaka 2025 exhibition, showcasing French heritage.
• Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie d'AubussonminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 April 2025The Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie d'Aubusson contributed to the Pavillon France cultural programming at Osaka 2025, showcasing French decorative arts.
• Mont Saint-MichelminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 April 2025Mont Saint-Michel contributed to the Pavillon France cultural programming at Osaka 2025, showcasing French heritage.
• Eric Kayser (Boulangerie et Bistrot)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 April 2025Eric Kayser operated the bakery and bistrot within the Pavillon France at Osaka 2025, offering French culinary excellence to visitors.
• Saint James / Arteum (Boutique)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 April 2025Saint James / Arteum operated the boutique within the Pavillon France at Osaka 2025, offering French branded merchandise and gifts to visitors.
• Saint-GobaincoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 December 2024Saint-Gobain, the global leader in light and sustainable construction, supplied ISOVER glass wool acoustic insulation panels (using 85% recycled glass) for the Pavillon France. The company was celebrating its 360th anniversary in 2025 and is committed to Net Zero Carbon. Its Japan subsidiary MAG ISOVER provided the materials.
• MAG ISOVER (Saint-Gobain Japan)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 December 2024MAG ISOVER, the insulation division of Saint-Gobain in Japan, provided glass wool insulation products for the Pavilion, reducing energy consumption while improving thermal, acoustic, and visual comfort.
• GrandPalaisRmn (Atelier de moulage)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 December 2024The Atelier de moulage du GrandPalaisRmn, an Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV) and France Savoir-faire d'Excellence labeled workshop, produced four large-scale reproductions of world-famous sculptures for the Pavillon France using traditional and innovative methods (including 3D-printed molds). CMA CGM provided free transport of artworks to Osaka.
• CMA CGMminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 December 2024CMA CGM, a global transport, logistics, and media group, provided pro bono shipping of artworks from France to Osaka as part of a patronage arrangement with GrandPalaisRmn, supporting the international reach of French cultural heritage.
• MEMORISTminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 November 2024MEMORIST, a unique full-service cultural heritage management company (preservation, digitization, restoration, sharing), became the thematic partner for the 'Création' (Creation) fortnight at Osaka 2025. With 300 experts, MEMORIST is part of the MOBILITAS group, specializing in cultural heritage at scale.
• Communauté urbaine de Dunkerque (Dunkerque Urban Community)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 October 2024The Dunkerque Urban Community partnered with the Pavillon France for the 'Ville et port durable' (Sustainable City and Port) fortnight. The territory was named by the World Economic Forum as one of 20 cities capable of 'saving the world' and is a pioneer of green reindustrialization.
• Dunkerque-PortminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 October 2024Dunkerque-Port, France's leading port complex in cooperation with Hauts-de-France maritime ports, partnered for the 'Ville et port durable' fortnight. It generates 3.8 billion euros in annual added value and 29,000 direct/indirect jobs, with a goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
• VITAGORAminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 September 2024VITAGORA, a competitiveness cluster and professional agri-food association (670+ stakeholders across Burgundy-Franche-Comté and Île-de-France), became the thematic partner for the 'Territoire et alimentation' (Territory and Food) fortnight. It organized a delegation of companies to Japan with support from Dijon Métropole and the Burgundy-Franche-Comté Regional Council.
• MCDecauxcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 5 August 2024MCDecaux (Japanese subsidiary of JCDecaux, the global leader in outdoor advertising; JCDecaux: 85%, Mitsubishi Corporation: 15%) became the exclusive media partner of the Pavillon France at Osaka 2025. MCDecaux promotes the Pavilion across its network of outdoor advertising in 43 Japanese cities, shopping malls, and Kansai Airport.
• Bel JaponminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 May 2024Bel Japon (subsidiary of Bel Group, the global cheese company behind La Vache qui rit®, Kiri®, Babybel®) became the thematic partner for the 'Egalité et parité' (Equality and Parity) fortnight at Osaka 2025. Kiri is the #1 brand in the fresh cheese category in Japan.
• TectonaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 April 2024Tectona, the French leader in outdoor furniture (founded 1977), partnered with the Mobilier national to create an exclusive furniture collection 'Kaeru' designed by Jean-Baptiste Fastrez for the Pavillon France, combining tradition and modernity.
• Mobilier nationalminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 April 2024The Mobilier national (Ministry of Culture), a supporter of craft métiers and creation since the 17th century, partnered with Tectona to create the 'Kaeru' furniture collection for the Pavillon France, continuing its tradition of promoting French design at international events.
• Jean-Baptiste FastrezminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 January 2024French designer Jean-Baptiste Fastrez (ENSCI 2010, studio since 2012) won the competition organized with Villa Noailles to design the exclusive 'Kaeru' furniture collection for the Pavillon France, in partnership with Tectona and the Mobilier national. He has won the Grand Prix du Jury at Design Parade 6 (2011) and Grand Prix de la Création de la Ville de Paris (2019).
• Vins d'Alsace (CIVA)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 January 2024Vins d'Alsace (CIVA) became a Gold partner of the Pavillon France — the first vineyard to represent France at a World Expo. Alsace wines are the 6th largest export market by value in Japan and the #1 in Asia-Pacific. The partnership aligned with the 'Hymne à l'Amour' and love of nature theme.
• José LévyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 December 2023José Lévy, a multidisciplinary artist and Grand Prix de la Ville de Paris laureate and Villa Kujoyama (Kyoto) recipient, served as Director of Creation for the Pavillon France Osaka 2025, designing public and professional spaces beyond the permanent exhibition, drawing on his deep knowledge of Japanese culture.
• NinapharmcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 December 2023Ninapharm, a pioneer in microbiome and mitochondrion science for longevity, became the first Gold partner/mécène of the Pavillon France. Founded in Annecy in 1993, Ninapharm has been present in Japan since 2003 with nearly 100 employees in research laboratories. Their science of longevity aligns with the 'Hymne à l'Amour' theme.
• Comité d'Echanges Franco-Japonais (CEFJ)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 November 2023The Franco-Japanese Exchange Committee (CEFJ), founded in 1997 by CCI Paris Île-de-France, is one of the largest bicultural professional networks with 160+ member companies in France and Japan. It partnered with COFREX to create business collaboration opportunities around the Pavillon France and amplify the French economic presence.
• Business FrancecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 November 2023Business France (the French national agency for internationalization, with ~1,500 employees in France and 55 countries) signed a tripartite partnership with COFREX and CCI France Japon to mobilize French and Japanese economic ecosystems around the Pavillon France, including organizing the Business Leaders Forum 2025, networking sessions, and delegation receptions.
• CCI France Japon (Chambre de commerce et d'industrie française au Japon)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 November 2023The French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (founded 1918, the oldest European chamber in Japan, 3rd in the CCI France International network globally), with 650+ member companies and offices in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, partnered with COFREX and Business France to support French companies at Osaka 2025.
• Coldefy & Associés (Architecture)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 7 August 2023The French architecture firm Coldefy (founded by Thomas Coldefy) was the lead French architect for the Pavillon France Osaka 2025, partnered with Italian firm CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati, construction integrator Rimond, landscape architect Coloco, structural engineer Bollinger & Grohmann, and sustainability strategist Ramboll.
• CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati (Architecture)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 7 August 2023CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati, the Italian design and innovation firm led by Carlo Ratti, partnered with Coldefy as co-architect of the Pavillon France Osaka 2025.
• GSM Project (Scenography)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 7 August 2023GSM Project, the international museum and scenography studio, designed the permanent scenographic journey of the Pavillon France at Osaka 2025, directed by artist Justine Emard.
• ExpomobiliacoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 7 August 2023Expomobilia, the general exhibition contractor for international pavilions, produced the permanent exhibition of the Pavillon France Osaka 2025, alongside light designers 8'18'' and landscape architects Topager.
• MazarscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 19 April 2023Mazars, the international audit, tax, and advisory group (47,000+ professionals in 95+ countries), provides skills-based sponsorship (mécénat de compétence) to COFREX for accounting, treasury, HR management, regulatory, and fiscal matters in France and Japan. Mazars has operated in Japan since 1992 and has been present in the Kansai region for 30 years.
• Bureau VeritascoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 30 March 2023Bureau Veritas, the global leader in testing, inspection, and certification (founded 1828; 82,000+ employees, 1,600+ offices worldwide; listed on Euronext Paris), renewed its partnership from Expo 2020 Dubai to provide skills-based sponsorship (mécénat de compétence) for building and infrastructure compliance, environmental quality, and ESG at Osaka 2025. Bureau Veritas has operated in Japan since 1953 with nearly 800 employees across 21 offices and laboratories.
• Richard CollasseminorOthers · 7 March 2023Richard Collasse (Chairman of Chanel Japon and Global Travel Retail, former President of CCI Française du Japon and the European Business Council, author of 'Dictionnaire amoureux du Japon') was appointed to the COFREX Board of Directors, bringing expertise in luxury, art de vivre, and deep knowledge of the Japanese market.
• Étienne CochetminorOthers · 7 March 2023Étienne Cochet (founder and developer of Maison & Objet, Paris Design Week, and Paris Capitale de la Création; IEP Paris, D.E.A. in 20th-century History) was appointed to the COFREX Board of Directors, bringing expertise in luxury goods, art de vivre, and international professional events.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• GL Events: GL Events is a France-based, Euronext-listed provider of integrated event services, including venue management, exhibition organization, and large-scale international event infrastructure (e.g., Olympic ceremonies). It is the closest French comparable to COFREX in operating model and scale of live event delivery.
• MCH Group: Swiss-listed operator of major exhibition venues (Basel, Zurich) and organizer of flagship events like Art Basel and Swissbau. MCH is a direct peer to COFREX in operating exhibition infrastructure and producing high-prestige international events.
• Reed Exhibitions (RX): RX is the world's largest exhibition organizer, part of RELX, running 400+ events annually across multiple sectors. It is a direct peer to COFREX in scaled event organization and serves as a benchmark for international exhibition best practices.
• Messe Frankfurt: Germany-based Messe Frankfurt is the world's largest trade fair organizer by revenue, hosting flagship events such as Ambiente, Frankfurt Book Fair, and Light + Building. Direct comparable to COFREX in scale of international exhibition operations.
• Koelnmesse: Koelnmesse is one of the top-ten global trade fair organizers, operating the Cologne fairgrounds and events like gamescom, Anuga, and ISM. It is a direct peer to COFREX in producing internationally significant exhibitions.
• Comexposium: Paris-based Comexposium, backed by Charterhouse Capital Partners, organizes more than 200 B2B and B2C events worldwide (e.g., Maison & Objet, Vivatech, Paris Retail Week). It is a direct peer to COFREX in French-headquartered event organization with strong international reach.
• Fiera Milano: Fiera Milano is Italy's leading exhibition center operator and event organizer, listed on the Italian stock exchange. Comparable to COFREX in operating national-scale exhibition infrastructure and hosting international B2B events.
• Hyve Group: Hyve Group is a UK-listed international exhibition organizer running 100+ events across multiple verticals. Direct peer to COFREX in scaled international event organization and cross-border exhibition management.

Others

• UFI (Global Association of the Exhibition Industry): UFI is the global trade association of the exhibition industry with members in 80+ countries. Adjacent to COFREX as the umbrella industry body that sets standards and lobbies on behalf of exhibition organizers worldwide.
• Business France: Business France is the French national agency for internationalization (~1,500 staff, presence in 55 countries) and a formal tripartite partner of COFREX. Related rather than competing — it channels French corporate participation into Pavillon France programming.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cofrexafrica

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about cofrex