Jean Arnault

"It was while listening to the radio in Nice that Jean Arnault learned that Bernard had bought Le Chasseur français. He was furious. He called him, but in the meantime, his son had gone to the United States. He turned to Michel Lefebvre, who immediately found an excuse for him: everything happened very quickly, Bernard didn't have time. Jean Arnault, once again, bowed down. Thus, facing his father, with the support of his grandmother, knowing how to become indispensable, working hard, masking his game, sheltered behind his appearance of a first communicant, taking risks, analyzing situations far from the fashions of the moment, using emotional strings, mastering power relations, playing three moves ahead with cold determination, Bernard Arnault succeeded in his gradual takeover of power, within the family framework. A pattern that he will reproduce later identically, adapting it to circumstances, and which will allow him, in a few years, to reach the heights of power and fortune."

"Is it by calculation, to test the determination of his son, or sincerely, to get rid of him, that Jean Arnault gives this instruction to Hugues Motte, his technical director, while Bernard, fresh out of Polytechnique, takes his first steps at Ferret Savinel? Does he secretly fear being marginalized by his own son who benefits from the blind support of his stepmother, that is to say, the main shareholder?"

"The takeover became clear when Bernard decided to buy a Piper Cheyenne plane to travel, without asking his father's permission. When Jean learned of this, he was furious. He confronted Bernard: “Why did we buy a plane?” “It was Michel Lefebvre who told me we should buy one because it's convenient and economically justified.” Jean Arnault rushed into Michel Lefebvre's office: “Are you the aviation specialist?” “No, but we thought, with Bernard, that it was a wise investment due to the increase in our turnover and the many trips we have to make throughout France.” Jean Arnault is not convinced: “I need to see you both together, this is not acceptable.” A confrontation is organized on the spot. Jean Arnault speaks, addressing only Michel Lefebvre and never meeting his son's gaze, who stares intensely at him: “Things need to be very clear, and since they don't seem to be for you, I'm going to make it clear. In this company, I am the president and no one else.” “That's obvious, Lefebvre replies.” “Not as obvious as you think. In any case, I forbid you to buy a plane. It's an unnecessary expense. Do you hear me? It's over!” Bernard Arnault said nothing. And the Piper Cheyenne, already ordered, would be delivered a few weeks later..."

"François Pinault met Jean Arnault and probably Bernard, his neighbor. They didn't know each other."

"Jean Arnault is not naive. He understands perfectly what this reorganization means for him. But he doesn't have much choice, given the pressure from his stepmother in favor of her grandson."

"In front of his father and Michel Lefebvre, he pretends to be tired and discouraged: “The deal is too risky. There are too many political pitfalls. All this is unmanageable. It's a shame, but I think I'm going to drop it.” Jean Arnault was pleased to see his son in the headlines. He expected him to be triumphant. He can't believe his ears: "You're not thinking of giving up now, are you?" Bernard will easily be convinced not to give up. And Jean Arnault will now support his son without any hesitation."

"A new player has therefore just invited himself to the table of contenders. Bernard Arnault is indeed not known to the general public. He is a rather discreet character, raised in the tradition of the great families of the North. His father, Jean Arnault, leading the Roubaisien building and public works group, Ferret-Savinel, is a recognized and appreciated business leader by his peers."