For generations, the uneasy relationship between Britain and France has captured the popular imagination. Comparative studies between the two countries abound, from political systems to eating habits: hitherto they have not extended to business history.

There is now growing interest in comparative business systems, practices, and performance. In these areas comparison with America, Germany, or Japan have taken precedence. This volume, with contributions from leading British and French historians, explores comparative developments and trends in the two countries which were the guiding lights of Europe and the world. In particular it looks at three main dimensions - the family firm; education and training; and mergers and company structure.

With a mixture of case studies, sectoral analysis, and wider-ranging comparison, the book will be a useful addition to our understanding of the evolution of business organization, competitiveness, and performance in the two countries.