Business World |

Bernard Arnault regain its leadership among the rich. After having given way in 2008 to boss Gerard Mulliez Auchan, the boss of LVMH prances again tops the ranking of richest people in France, published Wednesday by the weekly magazine Challenges.

Arnault's fortune amounted to 22.7 billion euros, against 19 billion for Mulliez. Among the top three also included Liliane Bettencourt, whose name is now mentioned more as the protagonist of a politico-financial series and its maintenance in the third-largest fortunes in France.

"2010, the year of the crisis for the rich"

Despite the context of crisis, the profits of the rich have increased compared to 2008 payday loan lenders.According to the study, the total capital assets of the 500 largest French professionals has increased by 25% in one year, from 194 to 241 billion euros. That figure remains below the record level of 2007 (280 billion euros). The weight of the 500 largest fortunes in the French economy has also declined from 17% of gross domestic product (GDP) three years ago to 12.4% today.

Several indicators suggest that 2010 will be "the year of the crisis" for the rich, notes the weekly. In one year, the title LVMH has indeed jumped 40%, like that of L'Oreal.

• The CAC 40 is expected to remain stable at the opening
• In exchange, the luxury sector remains an exceptional
• The CAC 40 pulverizes the 3900 points
• The Paris Bourse has gained over 2.7%
• The European hotel industry pulled himself together