Qatar Holding goes on French shopping spree

Qatar has given its French portfolio a considerable boost over recent months, taking full control of football club Paris St Germain (PSG) and increasing its stakes in Lagardère, Vivendi, Total and Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH). The close political relationship between Paris and Doha has often translated into the business arena. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the heir apparent who chairs the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), is said to be particularly close to French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who awarded him the Legion d’Honneur with rank of grand officer in February 2010 (GSN 871/6).