Dominique Manotti: Lorraine Connection

‘I don’t think so. The people whose names are on that document will never forgive those who have read it. On the other hand, if you tell them it exists, but that you haven’t seen it, they will know who they are, and will be grateful to you for having preserved a degree of anonymity. The information simply has to reach the right people, those who were genuinely in a position to make a decision on this bid, and who are therefore likely to have received bribes. There’s no point naming names. We all know who they are.’

A few moments’ silence, then Leroy rises.

‘I agree with your line of reasoning, which seems wise to me. Give us a few days to examine the documents, discuss the matter and arrange the rest.’ 15 November

Headlines in the financial press:

THOMSON BACK TO SQUARE ONE

Press release from the Finance Ministry:

The Privatisation Commission has informed the Finance Minister that it is not in a position to endorse the government’s choice in the Thomson SA takeover bid, given Daewoo’s methods of acquiring Thomson Multimedia. The government will shortly give a ruling on the conditions governing the pursuit of the privatisation process.