Senior care

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In this article you will learn

• How Petits-fils developed its senior home-care franchise model.
• The investment and fees required to open an agency.
•  What training and operational support franchisees receive.
• How the network generates revenue from elderly care services.
• What expansion opportunities the French brand is pursuing.

Petits-fils is a French franchise network specialising in home-care services for older people and individuals experiencing a loss of independence. Founded in 2007 by Pierre Gauthey and Damien Tixier, the company was created in response to the need for more professional, personalised assistance for elderly people who wish to remain in their own homes.

The network distinguishes itself through its high-quality positioning and its focus on individual care. Its philosophy is to provide every client with the same level of attention and respect that the founders would expect for their own grandparents. Services include assistance with everyday activities, companionship, support for people with reduced mobility and help for families managing the challenges of ageing. The company works with carefully selected professional caregivers and operates under a service-provider model in which the agency coordinates and organises assistance.

Petits-fils launched its franchise programme in 2012. Today, the network comprises more than 330 agencies across France, making it one of the country's leading private providers of home-care services for older people. Its presence is currently concentrated in France, with no established international franchise network publicly listed. In 2025, Petits-fils joined Crédit Agricole Santé & Territoires, part of the Crédit Agricole Group, creating opportunities for further development in the senior-care market.

Becoming a Petits-fils franchisee

The franchise is aimed at entrepreneurs with management, organisational, commercial and interpersonal skills. Previous experience in healthcare or social services is not essential, as the company provides the necessary training and operational knowledge. However, candidates should demonstrate an interest in the well-being of older people and a commitment to maintaining high service standards.

The process begins with an application and discussions with the franchise development team. Prospective partners receive assistance in evaluating their chosen territory, preparing a local market study, developing financial forecasts and arranging financing. The franchise agreement has a seven-year term.

The financial commitment includes a personal contribution of approximately €30,000. The total initial investment is estimated at €55,000–€78,000, excluding property costs. The initial franchise fee ranges from €12,000 to €19,800, depending on the territory and project. Franchisees also pay an ongoing royalty of 6% of turnover excluding VAT, together with a marketing contribution of 2% of turnover excluding VAT.

According to figures published by the French Franchise Federation, the average annual turnover of a Petits-fils agency is approximately €400,000 excluding VAT. This figure provides an indication of the network's business potential rather than a guaranteed financial result. Actual performance depends on the local market, the number of clients, recruitment capacity and the development of the agency.

Training, support and future development

Petits-fils provides structured support before and after the opening of each franchise. Initial training lasts four weeks and includes a one-week practical placement in an existing agency. It covers sales techniques, local marketing, caregiver recruitment and selection, agency management and the regulatory requirements of the home-care sector. Franchisees also receive an annual training programme and participate in network-wide meetings.

The franchisor supports new partners in obtaining the authorisation required to provide services to vulnerable people in France. Assistance includes preparing administrative documentation, understanding regulatory obligations and completing the application process. Franchisees also benefit from regular visits by network representatives, management software, operational tools, communication materials and ongoing advice.

The franchisee's main responsibilities include managing the local agency, developing relationships with clients and their families, recruiting and selecting suitable caregivers, organising services and supervising the quality of assistance. They must also manage the business financially, maintain compliance with applicable regulations and build relationships with local healthcare and social-service professionals.

Petits-fils intends to continue expanding its presence in France. The company has announced plans to open 100 additional agencies over the next five years, while also developing its existing locations and recruiting more employees and professional caregivers. Its integration into Crédit Agricole Santé & Territoires in 2025 represents an important step in the company's development and strengthens its position in the growing senior-care market.

Main conclusions

330+ agencies – an established franchise network across France.

€55,000–€78,000 – estimated initial investment, excluding property costs.

€400,000 – average annual agency turnover excluding VAT.

7 years – standard franchise agreement term.

100 new agencies – planned expansion over the next five years.

Author

Agnieszka Bąbik

Journalist