(Reuters) - Amazon could build a stake of almost a third in warehouse robotics firm Balyo in the next seven years, as part of a deal that could boost sales of the French company's technology for self-driving forklift trucks. Warehouse automation is a key element in efforts by Amazon to cut costs and speed up deliveries. The world's biggest online retailer currently uses robots developed by Kiva Systems, a company it bought for $775 million (606.23 million pounds) in 2012. "This agreement ... represents an unprecedented opportunity for Balyo to grow its business and supports the soundness of our investments over the years to perfect our robotic solutions," Balyo Chief Executive Fabien Bardinet said on Thursday. Under the terms of the deal, Amazon will receive free stock warrants representing up to 29 percent of Balyo's capital which it can exercise depending on orders of the company's products. The full 29 percent would be exercised if Amazon orders up to 300 million euros ($346 … [Read more...] about Amazon to invest in French firm’s technology for self-driving forklifts
French
Ex-Sarkozy minister jumps conservative ship to join French far-right
PARIS (Reuters) - Two French politicians, including an ex-minister under former president Nicolas Sarkozy, have left the country's mainstream centre-right party to join far-right leader Marine Le Pen after she dropped a demand for France to quit the European Union. The move underscores the challenge faced by Les Republicains (LR) as the party tries to recover from President Emmanuel Macron's huge 2017 election win in the National Assembly and carve out its turf on a fragmented right. Macron took votes from the centre-right, forcing the now LR leader Laurent Wauquiez further right as he seeks to regain momentum ahead of May's European elections. "Marine Le Pen represents the only true alternative to Macron," Thierry Mariani, who served as transport minister between 2010 and 2012, told Le Parisien newspaper. Les Republicains have become more closely aligned to the far-right Rassemblement National (RN), formerly Le Front National, on issues such as immigration and law and order. That … [Read more...] about Ex-Sarkozy minister jumps conservative ship to join French far-right
French protesters want to set off bank run with withdrawals
Updated 9:10 am PST, Wednesday, January 9, 2019 A protestor runs from teargas launched by riot police during a demonstration of unionist and yellow vests, in Creteil, outside Paris, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019. About 200 protesters, including unionists and yellow vests, gathered Wednesday in Creteil, a Paris suburb, as Macron was doing a visit in a facility dedicated to handball. Some scuffles broke out with police forces that used tear gas to keep the crowd at a distance from the French leader. less A protestor runs from teargas launched by riot police during a demonstration of unionist and yellow vests, in Creteil, outside Paris, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019. About 200 protesters, including unionists and ... more Photo: Thibault Camus, AP Photo: Thibault Camus, AP Image 1 of / 7 Caption Close … [Read more...] about French protesters want to set off bank run with withdrawals
Jeanne Augier, French Riviera luxury hotel owner, dies at 95
Updated 5:19 am PST, Wednesday, January 9, 2019 In this photo taken on Sept. 27, 2010, Jeanne Augier poses for a photographer outside the Negresco hotel in Nice, French Riviera, France. Jeanne Augier, the millionaire owner of a luxury French Riviera hotel cherished by celebrities and royalty, has died at 95. The Hotel Negresco in Nice announced in a statement that Augier died on Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, after taking over the hotel in 1957 and working to "extend its influence throughout France and the world." (Sipa via AP) less In this photo taken on Sept. 27, 2010, Jeanne Augier poses for a photographer outside the Negresco hotel in Nice, French Riviera, France. Jeanne Augier, the millionaire owner of a luxury French Riviera hotel ... more Photo: AP Photo: AP Image 1 of / 4 Caption Close … [Read more...] about Jeanne Augier, French Riviera luxury hotel owner, dies at 95
Yellow vest protesters call for huge run on French banks
Updated 6:51 am CST, Wednesday, January 9, 2019 Women wearing yellow vests and holding yellow balloons march during a protest in Paris, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019. Several hundred women wearing yellow vests march during a rally in Paris to give a different image to the movement. less Women wearing yellow vests and holding yellow balloons march during a protest in Paris, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019. Several hundred women wearing yellow vests march during a rally in Paris to give a different image ... more Photo: Michel Euler, AP Photo: Michel Euler, AP Image 1 of / 7 Caption Close Image 1 of 7 Women wearing yellow vests and holding yellow balloons march during a protest in Paris, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019. Several hundred women wearing yellow vests march during a rally in Paris to give a … [Read more...] about Yellow vest protesters call for huge run on French banks