The shareholders may appoint one or more statutory auditors in the forms provided for in Article L. 221-6.
At least companies that exceed, at the close of the financial year, figures set by decree for two of the following criteria are required to appoint a statutory auditor: the total of their balance sheet, the amount of their turnover excluding tax or the average number of their employees during a financial year.
Even if these thresholds are not met, the appointment of a statutory auditor may be requested in court by a member.
Companies are also required to appoint a statutory auditor, for a term of three financial years, if one or more members representing at least one third of the capital make a reasoned request to the company.