Besson sponsors most of the big contests and most of the famous bands, too.
I like modern Besson instruments a lot. I think the response and slotting is top notch. The intonation could be much better, but it's manageable and an OK trade-off considering I like the sound a lot. I'd probably still be playing their euphonium if the US distributors weren't completely incompetent and incapable of providing a reasonable level of customer service. (Not their baritone, though, the Yamaha Neo is just so much better!!)
That said, I think a properly equipped Adams E3 sounds more like a classic round-stamp sovereign than a new Besson does.