28 May 2010 - The Conseil d'Etat approves France Télécom's acquisition of the network of Photo Station and Photo Service stores - Gide Loyrette Nouel advises France Télécom:

In a ruling of 26 May 2010, the Conseil d'Etat (French Council of State) upheld the decision of the Minister for the Economy, Finance and Employment of 4 January 2008 authorising the acquisition by France Télécom of 35% of the share capital of Compagnie européenne de Téléphonie, the undertaking which owned the network of shops operated under the Photo Station and Photo Service brands.

An appeal was lodged against the Minister's decision by Bouygues Télécom which claimed that the Minister had incorrectly analysed the consequences of this concentration on the market for the distribution of mobile telephony products and services.

Rejecting one by one the arguments put forward by Bouygues Télécom, the Conseil d'Etat ruled that the operation was not of a nature to impede competition.

Legal counsel to France Télécom:
Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I., led by partner Stéphane Hautbourg, Alexandra Lamothe and Sophie Quesson, in addition to Bruno Odent, lawyer of the Conseil d'Etat.