> Financial release, July the 26th of 1999

 The consolidated turnover for the first semester of 1999 amounts to 1 821 MFRF (277.6 M euros), compared with 1 264 MFRF (192.7 M euros) for the first semester of 1998 (+44%).

 The consolidated turnover for the first semester has more than doubled from 1997 to 1999.

 During the second quarter the Group acquired a second company in Portugal and a company in Italy. The turnover of companies acquired during the first semester 1999 included in consolidated turnover is 65 MFRF (9.9 M euros).

 The European subsidiaries' consolidated turnover for the first semester of 1999 amounts to 618 MFRF (94.2 M euros). It has more than doubled in comparison with the first semester 1998 (303 MFRF, 46 M euros). The activity outside of France is now 34% of consolidated turnover compared with 24% at the same date in 1998.

 The estimated consolidated turnover for the year of 3 800 MFRF (580 M euros) announced during the annual shareholders' meeting should be surpassed.