Lagardère reports +7.8% increase in sales for the nine months ending september 30, 1998

Lagardère’s consolidated sales for the first nine months of 1998 amounted to
FF 49,205 million, compared with FF 45,641 million for the same period in 1997, reflecting an increase of 7.8 %. On a like-for-like basis, sales increased 6.7 %.

_{(*) Note : Matra Transport International is not included in the consolidated sales for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. Matra Transport International contributed FF 320 million in sales for the nine months ended September 30, 1997.}

Growth in each business sector:

• High Technology – Significant progress was made in major export defense programs.
• Automobile – The commercial success of the Renault Espace minivan continued.
• Communication/Media – All activities witnessed increases, Book Publishing and Radio Broadcasting, Film and Display rising above the average.