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Ranking of the Top 5 CIR and CII Firms in 2026

June 24, 2024
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In France, the Research Tax Credit (CIR) and the Innovation Tax Credit (CII) are essential tax incentives for companies engaged in R&D and innovation activities. These programs offer tax credits of 30% and 20%, respectively, on eligible expenses.

Due to the complexity and time required to manage the CIR and CII, many consulting firms have specialized in ensuring compliance with these programs.

In this article, we present our ranking of the top five CIR/CII consulting firms in 2025.

Our Top 5 Best CIR and CII Firms in 2026

The Dynergie Firm

Dynergie Consulting Firm

Founded in 2009 by Xavier Levesy and Louis Veyret, Dynergie is an innovation consulting firm based in Lyon. Under the leadership of Gabriel Genieis, the company has expanded its national presence with offices in Paris, Marseille, Grenoble, and Nantes.

Originally conceived as a strategic partner in innovation, Dynergie has established itself as a leading player in the sector. The firm currently offers comprehensive expertise in strategy, management, and non-dilutive financing for innovation projects for organizations of all sizes.

As a CIR and CII consulting firm, Dynergie has been officially listed with the Business Ombudsman, attesting to its commitment to building lasting partnerships with its clients.

In terms of performance, 99.9% of CIR/CII claims filed on behalf of Dynergie’s clients are consistently approved.

Dynergie’s unique value proposition lies in its integrated approach to non-dilutive financing, characterized by:

  • expertise covering the full range of tax schemes, grants, and bank financing, both private and public
  • flexibility at every stage of project development (R&D, Innovation, Growth, Investment, etc.)

The EPSA Firm

EPSA Consulting Firm

Founded in 2001, EPSA has established itself as a leading European consulting firm, currently employing more than 3,200 professionals across 40 countries and serving more than 5,000 clients.

Through its division specializing in innovation financing, EPSA offers in-depth expertise in the Research Tax Credit (CIR) and the Innovation Tax Credit (CII). Our support is structured around a rigorous methodology that covers the entire process, from the initial evaluation of projects to the finalization of tax filings.

EPSA’s official recognition as a CIR and CII expert by the Business Ombudsman since 2015 attests to its operational excellence.

EPSA’s greatest strength lies in its multidisciplinary team of engineers and PhDs, who combine technical expertise with tax knowledge. This synergy of skills enables us to provide optimal support to companies across all industries.

In an ever-changing regulatory environment, EPSA maintains a rigorous legal monitoring system and employs proven procedures to ensure the accuracy of CIR/CII filings. Our personalized approach guarantees optimal support, particularly during tax audits.

ABGI

ABGI Consulting Firm

ABGI is a leading provider of innovation financing consulting services in France and internationally. With over 30 years of experience, the company helps its clients secure tax credits, generating more than €2 billion annually. ABGI brings together a multidisciplinary team of experts in science, finance, and taxation to optimize the financing and structuring of innovation projects.

ABGI has also held certification from the Business Ombudsman as a consulting firm for the Research Tax Credit (CIR) and Innovation Tax Credit (CII) since 2016, demonstrating its operational excellence and commitment to building lasting partnerships with its clients.

ABGI's excellence is validated by a rigorous quality assurance system and attested to by several prestigious awards:

  • ISO 9001 certification, which attests to the excellence of management and organizational processes
  • The OPQCM certification, which validates professional expertise and enables the provision of related legal services
  • Accreditation within the Bpifrance Excellence Network

The Ayming Firm

Ayming Consulting Firm

Founded in 1986 by Marc Eisenberg, Ayming has grown into a leading consulting firm specializing in business performance optimization. Through strategic expansion from its original headquarters in Asnières, the firm has established a significant international presence and currently employs more than 1,500 professionals across 14 countries.

The firm offers in-depth expertise to organizations of all sizes to help them optimize their operational performance. Its services include strategic consulting on the Research Tax Credit (CIR), the Innovation Tax Credit (CII), and public aid programs.

Since 2016, Ayming has maintained its accreditation with the Business Mediation Service as a CIR and CII consultant. The renewal of this accreditation in 2022 underscores the ongoing excellence of their services and their commitment to their clients.

Recognized for its cutting-edge technical expertise and adaptive methodology, the firm holds prestigious certifications, including ISO 9001, which, like ABGI, attest to the excellence of its operational and managerial processes.

Ayming's global presence enables it to maintain its position as one of France's most recognized consulting firms.

The Leyton Firm

Leyton Consulting Firm

Founded in 1997 by François Gouilliard and Olivier de Beauminy, Leyton has grown into an international consulting firm recognized for its expertise in optimizing organizational performance. Headquartered in Issy-les-Moulineaux, the company now operates in 16 countries, with a team of 2,800 professionals across 30 international offices.

As a leading expert, Leyton provides its expertise to more than 4,000 organizations each year to help them optimize their Research and Innovation Tax Credits, thereby solidifying its position asa key player in France.

The firm’s accreditation asa CIR and CII consulting expert from the Business Mediation Office, obtainedin March 2017, demonstrates its commitment to excellence and regulatory compliance in serving its clients.

The firm’s expertise is reflected in its handling of more than 3,500 CIR/CII cases annually, with an impressive tax approval rate exceeding 99%.

Leyton’s distinctive expertise is built on the synergy of its multidisciplinary teams, which combine technical, tax, and industry-specific expertise to develop tailored strategies that meet the specific objectives of each organization.

Nicolas Hily

Marketing Manager & Growth Manager
LinkedIn

After spending two years as an innovation consultant specializing in the implementation of marketing strategies for innovative solutions, I am now dedicated to driving Dynergie’s growth as the marketing and growth manager. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to experiment with numerous methods and principles drawn from real-world experience, my clients, my colleagues, and various sources of information. Today, I am delighted to have the opportunity to share this expertise with you. I hope to share my vision of innovation and marketing through these various posts.

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What are the benefits of working with a CIR/CII consulting firm?

Managing CIR/CII programs requires specialized expertise given their strict regulatory framework. Professional guidance enables these programs to be effectively optimized.

A specialized firm performs the following essential functions:

  • A thorough review of project eligibility
  • Systematic compilation of files in accordance with requirements
  • Strategic optimization of spending
  • Clarification of tax-related issues

A consulting firm’s expertise helpsoptimize operational efficiency while minimizing risks. The consultant acts asan advisor to maximize the value of your innovation initiatives.

Criteria for Selecting a CIR/CII Consulting Firm

Selecting a consulting firm specializing in the Research Tax Credit (CIR) and Innovation Tax Credit (CII) requires a thorough evaluation that goes beyond pricing considerations. It is important to objectively assess the expertise offered.

Choose a firm with proven expertise and a transparent approach. The team should have multidisciplinary expertise covering technical, tax, and methodological aspects.

Essential skills include:

  • In-depth expertise in eligibility criteria
  • A rigorous methodology for compiling files
  • Proactive control management
  • Close collaboration with your organization
  • Clear and effective communication
  • A structured and secure approach

Key performance indicators include:

  • Recognized expertise
  • Service Excellence
  • Reliability of deadlines

Fee Structure of CIR/CII Consulting Firms

The firms offer two distinct compensation models:

1. Proportional compensation: Commission calculated at approximately 10% of the tax creditobtained‍

2. Flat-fee: A predetermined amount that is not dependent on the outcome, typically set at several thousand euros

The choice of model depends on your goals regarding budget predictability and financial management. A thorough analysis of the tax implications is recommended before making any decisions.