In today’s volatile economic landscape, French companies are grappling with significant challenges that strain cash flow and threaten financial stability. Recent data reveals that 85% of French businesses have experienced increased payment delays, with average payment terms extending to 51 days—up from 48.2 days last year. This trend is particularly concerning for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are disproportionately affected by these delays.

Moreover, the financial outlook remains uncertain. The French central bank has downgraded its economic growth forecast for 2025 to 0.9%, citing domestic political instability and global monetary uncertainties affecting consumer spending and private investment. These factors make it more critical than ever for companies to strengthen financial resilience.

In this context, efficient working capital management is no longer just a financial strategy but a necessity for survival and growth. CRX Markets, a leading marketplace for global working capital financing helps companies address these challenges by providing an independent marketplace that connects corporates and financing partners, ensuring competitive, market-driven pricing on both sides of the balance sheet.

Real-World Results: Lessons from Industry Leaders

Consider Nestlé, a global leader managing an extensive supply chain of over 165,000 suppliers. By partnering with CRX Markets, Nestlé reduced financing costs by 30% and streamlined supplier onboarding across multiple regions, enhancing liquidity and supply chain resilience. Similarly, Vattenfall, a major European energy company, leveraged CRX Markets’ platform to achieve over €4 billion in financed receivables, optimizing their return on equity and securing large-scale renewable energy projects with minimal operational effort. Eckes-Granini, Europe’s leading fruit beverage producer, successfully implemented a reverse factoring program through CRX Markets, reducing manual processes, increasing supplier participation, and improving key financial metrics.

These examples highlight key lessons:

• Agility in Finance Drives Operational Resilience: Nestlé’s case shows that financial flexibility reduces financial stress and makes the entire supply chain more resilient to disruptions.
• Liquidity Supports Strategic Growth: Vattenfall leveraged working capital solutions to secure large-scale projects, proving that finance is a growth enabler.
• Automation Reduces Complexity: Eckes-Granini demonstrated how digital finance tools simplify operations while improving financial health.

Emerging Trends in Working Capital Financing

As supply chains become more complex and economic conditions shift, new trends are reshaping working capital management:

1. Regulatory Developments in SCF
   How new European regulations are influencing supply chain finance practices, particularly regarding payment terms and transparency.
2. The Rise of Multi-Funder Supply Chain Finance Models
   Companies are moving beyond single-funder models to reduce dependency risks and improve liquidity access.
3. Streamlining Supplier Onboarding and Adoption
   The shift towards more efficient, digital onboarding processes to maximize supplier participation, reduce friction, and enhance program scalability.

Expert Insights: Navigating the Future

“The platform provides a unified approach towards our suppliers and is ideally suited for strengthening the partnerships with them. Furthermore, it allows us to keep working mainly with our relationship banks while enhancing liquidity and transparency.”

— Lee Edwards, Group Treasurer at Nestlé

CRX Markets Vision: Empowering Global Financial Ecosystems

The CRX marketplace empowers companies worldwide to release working capital by connecting them with access to the largest network of financing partners, cultivating transparency, control, and innovation within financial ecosystems.

Key Takeaways for Businesses:

• Adaptability is Essential: Companies must embrace flexible financing models to stay competitive.
• Data is Power: Leveraging financial data improves forecasting and strategic planning.
• Sustainability Adds Value: ESG-linked finance is not just ethical, it’s financially advantageous.

What’s Next?

As global supply chains evolve, businesses need adaptable, efficient, and reliable solutions. CRX Markets leads the way with data-driven, bank-independent financing that empowers companies to take control of their working capital.

Through advanced technology, an expansive financing network, and a focus on transparency, CRX Markets is redefining working capital management and helping businesses unlock liquidity, foster growth, and achieve lasting financial excellence.

What does your working capital strategy look like for the future? Let’s explore new possibilities together, Contact the sales team at CRX Markets today