Translating “syndicate” in French: syndicat or consortium? A Business Law False Friend

⚠️ Socio-economic false friend: syndicate ≠ syndicat (in the French labor law sense)

The English word syndicate looks a lot like the French syndicat, but their meanings diverge sharply depending on context.
In the Anglo-American world, syndicate rarely refers to a labor union.

👉 In fact, syndicate usually means:

• a group of investors or companies

• a temporary or permanent consortium

• a commercial arrangement (in certain contexts)

🏦 In business and finance: syndicate = group / consortium

This is the primary meaning in economic and commercial law.

Examples (EN → FR):

• A banking syndicate → Un pool bancaire / un syndicat bancaire

• A syndicate of investors financed the project → Un groupe d’investisseurs a financé le projet

• Bond syndication → Syndication d’obligations (a group of banks formed to manage an issuance)

👉 It often refers to structured cooperation around a specific financial or commercial transaction.

🚫 Do not confuse with trade union = syndicat de salariés

In labor law, syndicat translates as trade union (UK) or labor union (US).

Examples (EN → FR):

• Trade union rights → Droits syndicaux

• Labor union representatives → Représentants syndicaux

🕵️ In some contexts: syndicate = criminal organization

In journalism or criminal law, syndicate can mean a mafia-style or criminal network.

Example:

• A drug syndicate → Un réseau de trafic de drogue

✅ Quick Reference

📌 TransLex Tip

Before translating syndicate, ask yourself:

1. Is the context economic, social, or criminal?

2. Does the term refer to cooperation/consortium or to employee representation?

3. Would consortium, group, or trade union be the more precise choice?

👉 Syndicate = group, consortium, or sometimes criminal network
👉 Syndicat (French labor union) = trade union (UK) / labor union (US)