Through its subsidiary HDS - HACHETTE DISTRIBUTION SERVICES (turnover of EUR 3 billion), the French group LAGARDERE is negotiating the acquisition of eighteen French VIRGIN MEGASTORES, as well as the operating rights for the brand for eighteen cultural products, belonging to the British businessman Richard Branson (VIRGIN group). In 2000, these 18 stores earned a turnover of EUR 245.8 million out of a total EUR 1.5 billion for all the Megastores in the world. The negotiations underway would...