-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, Evg8Z4BsBjROoRrNG7Qgv7kcbxfcj0NU46hKohc3xEJTN8gw6Brir8qBHZ1lOumd R5l2zqANx2PlkuXKkpnHHA== 0001308179-09-000052.txt : 20090423 0001308179-09-000052.hdr.sgml : 20090423 20090423170000 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001308179-09-000052 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 20-F PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 12 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20081231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20090423 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20090423 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: FRANCE TELECOM / CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001038143 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: TELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS (NO RADIO TELEPHONE) [4813] IRS NUMBER: 999999999 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 20-F SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-14712 FILM NUMBER: 09767147 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 6 PLACE D ALLERAY CITY: PARIS FRANCE CEDEX 15 STATE: I0 ZIP: 75505 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 6 PLACE D ALLERAY CITY: PARIS FRANCE CEDEX 15 STATE: I0 ZIP: 75505 20-F 1 francetelecom20f.htm FRANCE TELECOM FORM 20-F France Telecom Form 20-F

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 23, 2009

UNITED STATES SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 20-F

 REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

[francetelecom20f2004.gif] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008

OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

 SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number: 1-14712

_____________

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Not applicable

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

6, place d’Alleray

75505 Paris Cedex 15

France

French Republic

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(Address of principal executive offices)

Contact person: Stéphane Pallez, tel +331 44 44 92 44, stephane.pallez@orange-ftgroup.com,

6, place d’Alleray 75505 Paris Cedex 15, France

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class:

American Depositary Shares, each representing one Ordinary Share, nominal value €4.00 per share

Ordinary Shares, nominal value €4.00 per share*

Name of each exchange on which registered:

New York Stock Exchange

New York Stock Exchange

*

Listed, not for trading or quotation purposes, but only in connection with the registration of the American Depositary Shares pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

None

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close  of the period covered by the annual report:

Ordinary Shares, nominal value €4.00 per share: 2,614,991,236 at December 31, 2008

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes

  No

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant  to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes

  No

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d)  of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant  was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days:

Yes

  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer  

Non-accelerated filer

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

U.S. GAAP

International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board    Other  

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

Item 17   

   Item 18

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company  (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes

  No




Presentation of information

The consolidated financial statements contained in this annual report of France Telecom on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2008 (“Form 20-F”) have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and with IFRS as adopted by the European Union, as of December 31, 2008.

France Telecom publishes its consolidated financial statements in euros. Solely for the convenience of the reader, this Form 20-F contains translations of certain Euro amounts into U.S. dollars. These translations should not be construed as representations that the converted amounts actually represent such U.S. dollar amounts or could be converted into U.S. dollars at the rates indicated or at any other rate.

Unless otherwise stated, translations of euros into U.S. dollars have been made at the rate of €0.7675 to $1.00 (or $1.3030 to €1.00), the noon buying rate in New York City for cable transfers in euros as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the “Noon Buying Rate”), on April 17, 2009. See Item 3 Key Information – 3.A Exchange Rate Information for information regarding the U.S. dollar/euro exchange rate since January 1, 2004.

This Form 20-F contains certain information presented on a “comparable basis”. The basis for the presentation of this financial information is set out in Item 5 Operating and Financial Review and Prospects. There can be no guarantee that France Telecom would have achieved results similar to those set forth in the financial information presented on a comparable basis. The unaudited financial information presented on a comparable basis is not intended to be a substitute for, and should be read in conjunction with, the consolidated financial statements included in Item 18, including the Notes thereto.

In this Form 20-F, references to the “EU” are to the European Union, references to the “euro” or “€” are to the euro currency of the EU, references to the “United States” or “U.S.” are to the United States of America and references to “U.S. dollars” or “$” are to United States dollars.

As used herein, the terms “Company”, “France Telecom”, “France Telecom group” and the “Group”, unless the context otherwise requires, refer to France Telecom together with its consolidated subsidiaries, and “France Telecom S.A.” refers to the parent company, a French société anonyme (corporation), without its subsidiaries.

References to “shares” are to France Telecom’s ordinary shares, nominal value €4.00 per share, and references to “ADSs” are to France Telecom’s American Depositary Shares, each representing one share, which are evidenced by American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”).

References to the “2008 Registration Document” are references to the Registration document of France Telecom for the year ended December 31, 2008, as submitted on Form 6-K on April 14, 2009.





Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements

This Form 20-F contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 or Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934) about France Telecom, including, without limitation, certain statements made in Item 5 Operating and Financial Review and Prospects, as well as in Item 4.B Business overview. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes”, “expects”, “may”, “is expected to”, “will”, “should”, “seeks”, “anticipates”, “outlook”, “target”, “objective”, or similar expressions or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology, or by the forward-looking nature of discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Although France Telecom believes these statem ents are based on reasonable assumptions, these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including matters not yet known to us or not currently considered material by us, and there can be no assurance that anticipated events will occur or that the objectives set out will actually be achieved.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Other than as required by law, France Telecom does not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new information or future developments.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated in the forward-looking statements include, among others:

overall trends in the economy in general and in France Telecom’s markets;

the effectiveness of the integrated operator strategy including the success and market acceptance of the Orange brand and other strategic, operating and financial initiatives;

France Telecom’s ability to adapt to the ongoing transformation of the telecommunications industry, in particular to technological developments, new customer expectations, and intense competition;

legal and regulatory developments and constraints, and the outcome of legal proceedings related to regulation and competition;

the success of France Telecom’s domestic and international investments, joint ventures and strategic relationships;

the effects of mergers and consolidations within the telecommunications industry;

risks related to information and communication technology systems generally;

exchange rate fluctuations;

interest rate fluctuations and the conditions of capital markets in general;

changes in general economic and business conditions in the markets served by France Telecom and its affiliates;

other risks and uncertainties discussed in Item 3 Key Information – 3.D Risk factors of this document.






Table of contents

ITEM 1   Identity of directors, senior management and advisers

2

ITEM 2   Offer statistics and expected timetable

2

ITEM 3   Key information

2

3.A  Selected financial data

2

3.B  Capitalization and indebtedness

3

3.C  Reasons for the offer and use of proceeds

3

3.D  Risk factors

3

ITEM 4   Information on France Telecom

4

4.A  History and development of the Company

4

4.B  Business overview

4

4.C  Organizational structure

4

4.D  Property, plant and equipment

4

ITEM 4A   Unresolved staff comments

4

ITEM 5   Operating and financial review and prospects

4

5.A  Operating results

5

5.B  Liquidity and capital resources

32

5.C  Research and development, patents and licenses, etc.

39

5.D  Trend information

39

5.E  Off-balance sheet arrangements

39

5.F  Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations

39

5.G  Financial measures not defined by IFRS

39

ITEM 6   Directors, senior management and employees

41

6.A  Directors and senior management

41

6.B  Compensation

41

6.C  Board practices

41

6.D  Employees

41

6.E  Share ownership

42

ITEM 7   Major shareholders and related party transactions

42

7.A  Major shareholders

42

7.B  Related party transactions

42

ITEM 8   Financial information

42

8.A  Consolidated statements and other financial information

42

8.B  Significant changes

42

ITEM 9   The offer and listing

43

ITEM 10   Additional information

44

10.A  Share capital

44

10.B  Memorandum of association and bylaws

44

10.C  Material contracts

44

10.D  Exchange controls

44

10.E  Taxation

44

10.F  Dividends and paying agents

47

10.G  Statement by experts

47

10.H  Documents on display

47

10.I  Subsidiary information

47

ITEM 11   Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk

47

ITEM 12   Description of securities other than equity securities

47

PART II

48

ITEM 13   Defaults, dividend arrearages and delinquencies

48

ITEM 14   Material modifications to the rights of security holders and use of proceeds

48

ITEM 15   Controls and procedures

48

15.A  Disclosure controls and procedures

48

15.B  Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting

48

15.C  Report of independent registered public accounting firms

48

ITEM 16   [reserved]

49

ITEM 16.A   Audit committee financial expert

49

ITEM 16.B   Code of ethics

49

ITEM 16.C   Principal accountant fees and services

49

ITEM 16.D   Exemptions from listing standards for audit committees

50

ITEM 16.E   Purchase of equity securities by the issuer and affiliated purchasers

50

ITEM 16.F   Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

50

ITEM 16.G   Corporate governance

51

PART III

52

ITEM 17   Financial statements

52

ITEM 18   Financial statements

52

ITEM 19   List of exhibits

52

Signature

53

Consolidated financial statements

F-1




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PART I

ITEM 1   Identity of directors, senior management and advisers

Not applicable.

ITEM 2   Offer statistics and expected timetable

Not applicable.

ITEM 3   Key information

3.A  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial and other operating data of France Telecom. The selected financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and Item 5 Operating and Financial Review and Prospects appearing elsewhere in this Form 20-F. France Telecom’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with IFRS as published by the IASB for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

The selected financial information presented below relating to the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, is extracted or derived from the consolidated financial statements audited by Ernst & Young Audit and Deloitte & Associés.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

(millions of euros, except share data)

2008

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

 

$(2)

     

Revenues

69,695

53,488

52,959

51,702

48,082

45,285

Operating income/(loss)

13,384

10,272

10,799

6,988

10,498

8,770

Finance costs, net

(3,892)

(2,987)

(2,650)

(3,251)

(3,367)

(3,645)

Consolidated net income after tax of continuing operations

5,853

4,492

6,819

1,557

5,712

2,796

Consolidated net income after tax of discontinued operations

-

-

-

3,211

648

414

Consolidated net income after tax attributable to equity holders of France Telecom S.A.

5,302

4,069

6,300

4,139

5,709

3,017

Net earnings per share - basic

2.03

1.56

2.42

1.59

2.28

1.23(1)

Net earnings per share - diluted

2.01

1.54

2.36

1.57

2.20

1.22(1)


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(millions of euros)

2008

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

 

$(2)

     

Intangible assets, net (3)

58,976

45,262

48,047

50,230

52,591

43,221

Property, plant and equipment, net

34,574

26,534

27,849

28,222

28,570

26,502

Total assets

124,169

95,295

101,183

103,171

109,350

98,963

Net financial debt

46,724

35,859

37,980

42,017

47,846

49,822

Equity attributable to equity holders of France Telecom S.A.

35,963

27,600

30,053

26,794

24,860

14,451


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(millions of euros)

2008

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

 

$(2)

     

Net cash provided by operating activities

19,544

14,999

14,644

13,863

13,374

12,697

Net cash used in investing activities

(10,470)

(8,035)

(6,881)

(4,691)

(11,677)

(5,591)

Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

(9,303)

(7,140)

(7,064)

(7,039)

(6,142)

(5,141)

Net cash used in financing activities

(7,892)

(6,057)

(7,654)

(9,271)

(860)

(7,346)

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

6,254

4,800

4,025

3,970

4,097

3,153


 RATIO

(euros)

2008

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

 

$(2)

     

Dividend per share for the year

1.82

1.40(4)

1.30

1.20

1.00

0.48


(1)

Earnings per share calculated on a comparable basis.

(2)

In millions. The U.S. dollar amounts presented in the table above have been translated solely for the convenience of the reader using the Noon Buying Rate on April17, 2009 of €0.7675 to $1.00.

(3)

Includes goodwill and the other intangible assets.

(4)

Subject to approval by the ordinary shareholders' meeting.




2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 2



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OPERATIONAL DATA

 

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Number of fixed telephone lines (in millions)

46.7

47.4

48.7

49.2

49.6

Number of wireless customers (in millions)

121.8

(*)110

97.6

84.3

62.7

Number of broadband (mainly ADSL) customers (in millions)

12.7

11.7

9.8

7.6

5.1

Number of employees (workforce end of period, in thousands)

186,049

187,331

191,036

203,008

206,485

*

* Due to a revision of the number of customers in Ivory Coast based on the definition used by the local regulator (ATCI), the number of wireless customers of controlled entities has been revised to 110 million against 109.7 million as previously disclosed.

Exchange rate information

Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the euro and the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar equivalent of the euro-denominated prices of the shares and, as a result, will affect the market price of the ADSs in the United States. In addition, exchange rate fluctuations will affect the U.S. dollar equivalent of any cash dividends received by holders of ADSs.

The following table sets forth, for the periods and dates indicated, certain information concerning the Noon Buying Rate in New York City for cable transfers for foreign currencies as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York expressed in U.S. dollars per €1.00. Such rates are provided solely for the convenience of the reader and are not necessarily the rates used by France Telecom in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Form 20-F. No representation is made that the euro could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars at the rates indicated below or at any other rate. See Item 3.D Risk factors: “France Telecom’s earnings and cash position are exposed to exchange rate fluctuation”.

U.S. dollars per €1.00

Period end rate

Average rate (1)

High

Low

YEARLY AMOUNTS

    

2004

$1.3538

$1.2478

$1.3625

$1.1801

2005

$1.1842

$1.2400

$1.3476

$1.1667

2006

$1.3197

$1.2661

$1.3327

$1.1860

2007

$1.4603

$1.3797

$1.4862

$1.2904

2008

$1.3919

$1.4726

$1.6010

$1.2446

MONTHLY AMOUNTS

    

October 2008

$1.2682

$1.3267

$1.4058

$1.2446

November 2008

$1.2694

$1.2744

$1.3039

$1.2525

December 2008

$1.3919

$1.3511

$1.4358

$1.2634

January 2009

$1.2804

$1.3244

$1.3946

$1.2804

February 2009

$1.2662

$1.2797

$1.3064

$1.2547

March 2009

$1.3261

$1.3050

$1.3730

$1.2549

April 2009 (through April 17, 2009)

$1.3030

$1.3261

$1.3458

$1.3030

     

(1)

The average of the Noon Buying Rates on the last day of each month during the relevant period.


For information regarding the effects of currency fluctuations on France Telecom’s results, see Item 5 Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.

3.B  CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS

Not applicable.

3.C  REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Not applicable.

3.D  RISK FACTORS

The information set forth under section 4 Risk factors on pages 11 et seq. of the 2008 Registration Document is incorporated herein by reference.

The price of France Telecom’s ADSs and the U.S. dollar value of any dividends will be affected by fluctuations in the U.S. dollar/euro exchange rate.

The ADSs are quoted in U.S. dollars. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the euro and the U.S. dollar are likely to affect the market price of the ADSs. For example, because France Telecom’s financial statements are reported in euro, a decline in the value of the euro against the U.S. dollar would reduce France Telecom’s earnings as reported in U.S. dollars. This could adversely affect the price at which the ADSs trade on the U.S. securities markets. Any dividend that France Telecom might pay in the future would be denominated in euro. A decline in the value of the euro against the U.S. dollar would reduce the U.S. dollar equivalent of any such dividend.

Holders of ADSs may face disadvantages compared to holders of France Telecom’s shares when attempting to exercise certain rights as a shareholder.

Holders of ADSs may face more difficulties in exercising their rights as shareholders than they would if they held shares directly. For example, to exercise their voting rights, holders of ADSs must instruct the depositary how to vote their shares. Because of this extra procedural step involving the depositary, the process for exercising voting rights will take longer for holders of ADSs than for holders of shares. ADSs for which the depositary does not receive timely voting instructions will not be voted at any meeting.

Preemptive rights may be unavailable to holders of France Telecom’s ADSs.

Holders of France Telecom’s ADSs or U.S. resident shareholders may be unable to exercise preemptive rights granted to France Telecom’s shareholders, in which case holders of France Telecom’s ADSs could be substantially diluted. Under French law, whenever France Telecom issues new shares for payment in cash or in kind, France Telecom is usually required to grant preemptive rights to its shareholders. However, holders of France Telecom’s ADSs or U.S. resident shareholders may not be able to exercise these preemptive rights to acquire shares unless both the rights and the shares are registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or an exemption from registration is available.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 3



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If the depositary is unable to sell rights that are not exercised or not distributed or if the sale is not lawful or reasonably practicable, it will allow the rights to lapse, in which case no value will be given for these rights.

ITEM 4   Information on France Telecom

4.A  HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY

See Item 18 Financial Statements – Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.

The information set forth under section 5.1 History and development of the Company on pages 23 et seq. of the 2008 Registration Document is incorporated herein by reference.

4.B  BUSINESS OVERVIEW

The information set forth under:

Section 6 Overview of the Group’s business on pages 25 et seq.,

The Technical glossary appendix on pages 452 et seq.

of the 2008 Registration Document is incorporated herein by reference.

Seasonality

In general, France Telecom’s business operations are not affected by any major seasonal variations. However, the telephone traffic generated from fixed line telephony over the summer months in the third quarter (ended September 30) is generally lower than in the other quarters.

Furthermore, in the Personal Communication Services markets, the number of new mobile customers for telecommunications services is generally higher in the second half of the calendar year than in the first half, primarily because of the increase in sales during the Christmas season. Consequently, revenues generated from the sale of equipment and packages, as well as the costs incurred in ordering equipment for customers and sales commissions, are higher in the second half of the calendar year than in the first half.

4.C  ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The information set forth under section 7 Organization structure on page 123 of the 2008 Registration Document is incorporated herein by reference.

4.D  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

The information set forth under:

Section 8 Property, plant and equipment on pages 125 et seq.,

Section 6.5.2 Environmental Information, on pages 97 et seq.

of the 2008 Registration Document is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 4A   Unresolved staff comments

None.

ITEM 5   Operating and financial review and prospects

There are no differences between IFRS as adopted in the European Union and IFRS as issued by the IASB, as applied by France Telecom.

References in this Item to the notes to the consolidated financial statements are references to the consolidated financial statements presented in Item 18 of this document.

References in this Item to:

Section 9.1.1.4 Main events that took place in 2008,

Section 9.1.5.1 Transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis,

The Financial glossary appendix,

are references to the information set forth under the same headings on pages 139, 179 and 458, respectively, of the 2008 Registration Document. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 4



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5.A  OPERATING RESULTS

This section sets forth:

an overview of the operating results of the Group including (i) a presentation of the financial data and the work force for 2008, 2007 and 2006 set forth below under section 5.A.1, and (ii) a summary of the results for 2008, the impact of regulatory changes and the main events that took place in 2008 incorporated by reference to sections 9.1.1.2, 9.1.1.3 and 9.1.1.4, respectively, on pages 139 et seq. of the 2008 Registration Document;

a presentation of critical accounting policies set forth below in section 5.A.2;

a comparative analysis of the Group income statement and capital expenditures and a comparative analysis by business segment for 2008 and 2007 incorporated by reference to sections 9.1.2 and 9.1.3, respectively, on pages 142 et seq. of the 2008 Registration Document;

a comparative analysis of the Group income statement and capital expenditures for 2007 and 2006 set forth below in section 5.A.3; and

a comparative analysis by business segment for 2007 and 2006 set forth below in section 5.A.4.

5.A.1

Financial data and workforce

Operating data

 

Year ended December 31

(in millions of euros)

2008

2007  

2007

2006

Change (%)  

Change (%)  

  

comparable

basis (1)

historical

basis  

historical

basis

comparable

basis (1)

historical

basis  

Revenues

53,488

51,970

52,959

51,702

2.9%

1.0%

GOM (2)

19,399

18,866

19,116

18,539

2.8%

1.5%

GOM/Revenues

36.3%

36.3%

36.1%

35.9%

  

Operating income

10,272

-

10,799

6,988

-

(4.9)%

Operating income/Revenues

19.2%

-

20.4%

13.5%

  

CAPEX (2)

6,867

7,012

6,979

6,732

(2.1)%

(1.6)%

CAPEX/Revenues

12.8%

13.5%

13.2%

13.0%

  

Telecommunication licenses

273

81

85

283

ns

ns

Average number of employees (1) (3)

182,793

189,633

183,799

189,028

(3.6)%

(0.5)%

(1)

Unaudited data. See Section 9.1.5.1 Transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis.

(2)

See Item 5G Financial measures not defined by IFRS and the Financial glossary appendix.

(3)

See the Financial glossary appendix.

Net income

(in millions of euros)

Year ended December 31

 

2008

2007

2006

  

historical basis

historical basis

Operating income

10,272

10,799

6,988

Finance costs, net

(2,987)

(2,650)

(3,251)

Income tax

(2,793)

(1,330)

(2,180)

Consolidated net income after tax of continuing operations

4,492

6,819

1,557

Consolidated net income after tax of discontinued operations

-

-

3,211

Consolidated net income after tax

4,492

6,819

4,768

Net income attributable to equity holders of France Telecom S.A.

4,069

6,300

4,139

Minority interests

423

519

629

Net financial debt and organic cash flow

(in millions of euros)

Year ended December 31

 

2008

2007

2006

  

historical basis

historical basis

Organic cash flow (1)

8,016

7,818

6,906 (3)

Net financial debt (2)

35,859

37,980

42,017

Ratio of Net financial debt/GOM

1.85

1.99

2.27

(1)

See Item 5G Financial measures not defined by IFRS and the Financial glossary appendix.

(2)

See the Financial glossary appendix.

(3)

Excluding PagesJaunes Groupe, operation disposed of on October 11, 2006 (see Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements). With PagesJaunes Groupe, organic cash flow amounted to 7.157 billion euros in 2006.

For further information on the risks related to the France Telecom group's financial debt, see Item 3D Risk factors.


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 5



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5.A.2

Critical accounting policies

In accordance with the applicable rules in the European Union (“EU”) which require companies that are incorporated in a Member State and that have securities listed on an EU regulated market to use IFRS beginning with their 2005 financial year, France Telecom prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS as published by IASB, and bases its discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations on such financial statements.

Although IFRS as issued by IASB constitute a comprehensive basis of accounting, users should take into consideration when analyzing financial statements under IFRS of preparers that the reported performance and comparability among companies reporting under IFRS can be impacted by the following elements:

alternatives available under IFRS 1 when transitioning from previous local GAAPs to IFRS, such as electing not to restate business combinations prior to the transition date, recognition in equity of actuarial gains and losses on employee benefits measured at the transition date, transfer to retained earnings of all cumulative translation differences for all foreign operations at the transition date;

alternatives proposed by various IFRS standards, such as recognition of actuarial gains and losses on employee benefits according to the corridor method, expensing borrowing costs, proportionate consolidation of jointly controlled entities;

IFRS does not have a specific standard or interpretation for common control transactions, for acquisitions of (or commitments to) minority interests not resulting in a change in control, or for other similar transactions. In such circumstances, France Telecom – like other preparers – has to define its accounting policy in accordance with paragraphs 10 to 12 of IAS 8. As the IASB and IFRIC adopt or clarify the accounting standards and interpretations over time, France Telecom may modify its previously adopted accounting method (e.g. upon application of IAS 27R);

IFRS does not provide for specific accounting rules as to the form and content of the income statement while they do include a standard on financial statements presentation.

Therefore, and as further described in Notes 1 and 2 to its consolidated financial statements, France Telecom’s reported financial condition and results of operations are sensitive to the selection and application of the accounting policies by France Telecom and the judgment and other uncertainties affecting application of those policies.

In addition, France Telecom’s reported financial condition and results of operations are sensitive to estimates together with the related judgment, assumptions and uncertainties that underlie the preparation of its consolidated financial statements. The estimates may be revised if the underlying circumstances evolve or in the light of new information or experience. Consequently, estimates made at December 31, 2008 may subsequently be changed. These factors should be taken into account when reviewing France Telecom’s consolidated financial statements, in particular the topics discussed below:

Measurement of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets other than goodwill

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, total property, plant and equipment amounted to 26.5 and 27.8 billion euros, respectively, and total intangible assets (mainly telecommunication licenses, trademarks, customer relationships and rights of use) amounted to 14.5  (5.2 billion euros  of which was recognized in business combinations) and 16.7 billion euros, respectively.

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets other than goodwill are recorded at their acquisition or production cost. When such assets are acquired in a business combination, purchase accounting requires judgment in determining the estimated fair value of the assets at the date of the acquisition. As direct observable fair values are not always readily available, indirect valuation methods are often used with their inherent limitations. Examples of indirect methods France Telecom commonly uses for certain acquired intangibles include the Greenfield method for licenses, the relief of royalty method for trademarks, or the excess earnings approach for customers relationships.  A change in any of the assumptions used in any of the indirect valuation methods could change the amount to be allocated to the acquired intangibles.

Similarly, judgment is required in determining the useful lives of the assets both at and subsequent to the acquisition date. Such judgment considers obsolescence, physical damage, significant changes to the manner in which an asset is used, worse than expected economic performance, a drop in revenues or other external indicators.

Considering the type of assets and the nature of the activities, most of the France Telecom’s assets do not generate independent cash flows from those attached to the Cash-Generating Unit (CGU). Hence, the assessment of the need for an impairment test is mostly determined at the CGU level (see hereunder).

Purchase price allocation and allocation of goodwill

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the net book value of goodwill amounted to 30.8 and 31.4 billion euros, respectively.

The amount of goodwill determined in a business combination is dependent on the allocation of the purchase price over the Group’s corresponding equity in the fair value of the underlying assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, a process that requires a significant level of estimate and judgment.

Goodwill is not amortized but is reviewed for impairment at least annually at the level of the CGU or group of CGUs (see hereunder).

Goodwill is to be allocated to each of the acquirer’s CGUs or groups of CGUs that is expected to benefit from the synergies of the business combination. Such allocation represents the lowest level at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes and is not larger than a segment based on either business or geographical reporting segment.

Changes in the way management monitors goodwill or in the segment reporting structure may require a reallocation and trigger the need for an impairment test.

Impairment testing of the recoverable amount of a CGU or group of CGUs

Impairment of goodwill and non-current assets were recorded for 0.3 billion euros in 2008 and 0.1 billion euros in 2007.

The determination of impairment involves the use of estimates which include but are not limited to the cause, the timing and the amount of the impairment. As such, the determination of the recoverable amount represents an area where significant assumptions and judgment are required.

The recoverable amount is the higher of the fair value less costs to sell and the value in use:

fair value less costs to sell is the best estimate of the amount obtainable from the sale of a CGU in an arm’s length transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties, less the costs of disposal. Because the fair value of France Telecom’s CGUs is rarely directly observable, it is determined on the basis of available market information, such as revenue and EBITDA multiples for comparable companies, or transactions or discounted cash flows including market participant assumptions on WACC or long-term growth rates ;

value in use is determined by France Telecom based on the discounted cash flows derived from the applicable business plan.

When cash flow projections are used, they are based on economic and regulatory assumptions, license renewal assumptions and forecasted trading conditions, including:

the influence of competitors;

the evolution and utilization of new technologies;

the level of appeal of these new technologies and related services to customers; and

the long-term growth rate and discount rate.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 6



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The values assigned to each of these parameters reflect past experience and anticipated changes over the period of the business plans. In the economic environment implied by the current financial crisis:

the business plans have been drafted in the last quarter of 2008 to consider/take into account the latest trends, particularly regarding the first year of the plans;

the discount rate used to determine the value in use may include a specific risk premium to account for contingencies in the execution of the plan;

the perpetual growth rates used have been maintained since, in the Group’s assessment, the current economic crisis is unlikely to modify long-term trends in its industry.

Changes in the economic and financial environment, legal and regulatory decisions, or changes in competitors’ behavior in response to this economic environment will affect the estimate of recoverable amounts. They may also be affected by unforeseen changes in the political, economic and legal systems of certain countries.

The methodology used and the related estimates have a material impact on the recoverable value and ultimately the amount of any asset impairment. If the assumptions do not materialize as expected, this may result in decreased revenue, EBITDA or cash flows and materially change the potential impairment.

A sensitivity analysis of the recoverable amount in relation to the perpetual growth rate or discount rate and to the cash flows is provided in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements.

Because of the changes in segment reporting required by IFRS 8, IAS 36 has been amended to state that goodwill must be allocated to CGUs which are not larger than an operating segment. This amendment is retrospective, which requires France Telecom to identify the operating segments following the internal reporting used until December 31, 2008 in accordance with the IFRS 8 principles. Upon adoption of IFRS 8 in 2009, the amendment to IAS 36 is expected to retrospectively affect the impairment loss previously accounted for and an additional impairment loss for goodwill relating to fixed-line and broadband businesses of TP and Jordan Telecom, approximately in the amount of 0.5 billion euros, to be recorded as of January 1, 2007 (portion attributable to equity holders of France Telecom S.A.).

Income taxes

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, France Telecom recorded deferred tax assets under IFRS amounting to approximately 3.8 and 5.7 billion euros, respectively, net of deferred tax liabilities. These balances consist primarily of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for tax purposes, and tax loss carryforwards mainly related to France Telecom S.A., the parent company.

Significant judgment on the part of management is required in determining current and deferred income taxes, as a result of the inherent necessity of interpreting tax laws and assessing the availability of future taxable income that can be offset against tax loss carryforwards within the appropriate timeframe, as estimated by management.

The realization of deferred tax assets is reviewed by France Telecom’s management using each entity’s tax forecast based on budgets and strategic plans.

Net recognition (derecognition) linked to the reassessment of the recoverability of deferred tax assets in 2008 and 2007 amounted to 0.0 and 1.2 billion euros, respectively.

Revenue recognition

France Telecom receives certain installation and activation revenue from new customers. These revenues are recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected service period. The estimation of the expected service period is based on historical customer turnover. In the event of a change in estimate, material differences may result in the amount and timing of revenues recognized for a given period. For example, a reduction in the expected service period may result in accelerated revenue recognition.

France Telecom’s policy for revenue recognition, in instances where multiple deliverables are sold contemporaneously to the same counterparty, is in accordance with IFRS 18.13. Specifically, if the Group enters into sales contracts for the sale of multiple products or services, then the Group evaluates all deliverables in the arrangement to determine whether they represent separate units of accounting, each with its own separate earnings process, and their relative fair value. Such determination requires judgment and is based on an analysis of the facts and circumstances surrounding the transactions.

Reporting revenue on a gross versus net basis (acting principal vs. agent) is also a matter of judgment that depends on a relevant set of facts and circumstances. This analysis is performed using the following criteria:

who is the primary obligor of the arrangement;

who bears inventory risk;

who has a reasonable latitude in establishing price with the customer for the service;

who has discretion in supplier selection;

who is involved in the determination of service specifications; and who bears the credit risk.

France Telecom’s policy for revenue recognition is further explained in Note 2.6 to the consolidated financial statements.

Employee benefits and share-based payment

Pension benefits obligations and expenses for defined benefit pension plans are based on certain assumptions used by France Telecom in calculating such amounts. Those assumptions include, among others, the discount rate, the expected rate of return on plan assets and the annual rate of increase in future compensation levels.

Actual results that differ from France Telecom’s assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and therefore could affect its recognized expense and recorded obligations in such future periods. Its assumptions are based on actual historical experience and external data regarding compensation and discount trend rates. While France Telecom believes that its assumptions are appropriate, significant differences in its actual experience or significant changes in its assumptions may affect its pension obligations and its future expenses.

France Telecom has various share based compensation plans for employees that may be affected, as to the expense recorded in the income statement, by changes in valuation assumptions. For example, the fair value of stock options is estimated by using the binomial model on the date of grant based on certain assumptions, including, among others expected volatility, the expected option term and the expected dividend payout rate. The assumption as to volatility has been determined by reference to the implied volatility of options available on France Telecom shares in the open market, and also in light of historical patterns of volatility. The expected option term is estimated by observing general option holder behavior as well as the actual historical terms of France Telecom’s option programs.  

Litigation and claims

At December 31, 2008 and 2007, provisions totaling 0.5 billion euros (for both years), are recorded to cover litigation and claims. The risk associated with the August 2, 2004 decision of the European Commission concerning alleged State aid in favor of France Telecom (and for which France Telecom has placed 1.0 billion euros in escrow), is classified as a contingent liability and, therefore, no provision has been recorded in the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

France Telecom exercises significant judgment in measuring and recognizing provisions or determining exposure to contingent liabilities that are related to pending litigation or other outstanding claims. These judgments and estimates are subject to change as new information becomes available.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 7



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Fair value of financial instruments

Fair value corresponds to the quoted price for listed financial assets and liabilities.

Where no active market exists, the Group establishes fair value by using a valuation technique determined to be the most appropriate in the circumstances, for example:

available-for-sale assets: comparable transactions, multiples for comparable transactions, discounted present value of future cash flows;

loans and receivables, financial assets at fair value through profit and loss: net book value is deemed to be approximately equivalent to fair value because of their relatively short holding period;

accounts payable: book value is deemed to be approximately equivalent to fair value because of their relatively short holding period;

financial liabilities at fair value through profit and loss: put options relating to minority interests are deemed to be granted at fair market value, and are assessed according to the parameters of the contractual arrangements;

derivatives: either option pricing models or discounted present value of future cash flows. Because internal valuation techniques are a matter of judgment, their result is benchmarked by the Group with external valuations provided by banks.


5.A.3

Analysis of the Group’s Income Statement and Capital Expenditures for 2007 and 2006

This section presents a comparison of 2006 and 2007 for the France Telecom group and is divided into four main parts:

i.

a presentation of revenues through GOM;

ii.

the transition from GOM to operating income;

iii.

a presentation of operating income through net income; and

iv.

a discussion of capital expenditures.

“GOM” and “CAPEX” are non-GAAP financial measures. For information on the calculation of the GOM and the CAPEX and the reasons for which France Telecom uses these measures, see Item 5.G Financial measures not defined by IFRS and Financial glossary appendix.

5.A.3.1   From Group Revenues to Gross Operating Margin

The operating expenses included in the GOM, referred to hereinafter as “OPEX” (see Financial glossary appendix) include i) operating expenses excluding labor expenses (wages and employee benefit expenses), referred to hereinafter as “OPEX excluding labor expenses (wages and employee benefit expenses)”, including external purchases and other operating incomes and expenses, and ii) labor expenses (wages and employee benefit expenses).

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the following table sets out the transition from revenues to GOM, detailing by type the operating expenses included in the GOM of the France Telecom group.

 

Years ended December 31

  

(in millions of euros)

2007

2006 comparable basis (1)

2006
historical basis

Change (%) comparable basis (1)

Change (%) historical basis

Revenues

52,959

51,541

51,702

2.8%

2.4%

OPEX (2)

(33,843)

(33,055)

(33,163)

2.4%

2.0%

In% of revenues

63.9%

64.1%

64.1%

  

OPEX excluding labor expenses(wages and employee benefit expenses) (2)

(25,076)

(24,388)

(24,571)

2.8%

2.1%

In% of revenues

47.4%

47.3%

47.5%

  

- External purchases (2)

(23,156)

(22,681)

(22,809)

2.1%

1.5%

- Other operating incomes and expenses

(1,920)

(1,707)

(1,762)

12.5%

8.9%

Labor expenses(wages and employee benefit expenses) (2)

(8,767)

(8,667)

(8,592)

1.2%

2.0%

In% of revenues

16.6%

16.8%

16.6%

  

GOM

19,116

18,486

18,539

3.4%

3.1%

In% of revenues

36.1%

35.9%

35.9%

  

(1)

Unaudited data. See Exhibit 99 Transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis for 2006.

(2)

See Financial glossary appendix.




2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 8



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5.A.3.1.1   Revenues

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the table below shows the revenues of the France Telecom group by business segment.

(in millions of euros)

Years ended December 31

  

REVENUES

2007

2006 comparable basis (1)

2006
historical basis

Change (%) comparable basis (1)

Change (%) historical basis

Personal Communication Services (PCS)

29,119

27,538

27,745

5.7%

5.0%

PCS France

9,998

9,885

9,882

1.1%

1.2%

PCS United Kingdom

6,217

5,863

5,874

6.0%

5.8%

PCS Spain

3,404

3,315

3,353

2.7%

1.5%

PCS Poland

2,133

1,992

1,934

7.1%

10.3%

PCS Rest of the world

7,550

6,701

6,920

12.7%

9.1%

Eliminations

(183)

(218)

(218)

-

-

Home Communication Services (HCS)

22,671

22,725

22,487

(0.2)%

0.8%

HCS France

17,957

17,709

17,657

1.4%

1.7%

HCS Poland

2,886

3,139

3,048

(8.1)%

(5.3)%

HCS Rest of the world

2,100

2,100

2,005

-

4.7%

Eliminations

(272)

(223)

(223)

-

-

Enterprise Communication Services (ECS)

7,721

7,689

7,652

0.4%

0.9%

Eliminations

(6,552)

(6,411)

(6,182)

-

-

GROUP TOTAL

52,959

51,541

51,702

2.8%

2.4%

(1)

Unaudited data. See Exhibit 99 Transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis for 2006.


Change in revenues

France Telecom group recorded 52.959 billion euros in revenues in 2007, up 2.4% on a historical basis and 2.8% on a comparable basis in relation to 2006.

On a historical basis, the increase of 2.4% in the Group’s revenues, which is an increase of 1.257 billion euros between 2006 and 2007, included the negative impact of the foreign exchange rate fluctuations, i.e. 182 million euros between the two years, partially offset by the favorable impact of the changes in the scope of consolidation and other changes, amounting to 21 million euros between 2006 and 2007. Changes in the scope of consolidation and other changes were for the most part offset, with primarily, on one hand, i) the impact of the full consolidation of Jordan Telecommunications Company (JTC) as well as its subsidiaries on July 5, 2006 for 115 million euros, ii) the impact of the acquisition of the Groupe Silicomp on January 4, 2007 for 106 million euros, and iii) the impact of the acquisition of T-Online Telecommunications Spain (now FT España ISP), operating under the Ya.com brand, on July 31, 2007 for 71 million euros, and on the other hand, iv) the impact of selling Orange’s mobile and Internet operations in the Netherlands on October 1, 2007 for 172 million euros, and v) the impact of selling France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications (FTMSC) on October 31, 2006 for 120 million euros.

On a comparable basis, France Telecom group’s revenues increased 2.8% between 2006 and 2007, which represents an increase of 1.418 billion euros driven by growth in mobile operations and ADSL broadband services.

PCS revenues (mobile services) were up 5.7% in 2007 compared to 2006, amounting to 29.119 billion euros. This increase reflected the growth achieved on mobile telephony activities, supported by dynamic growth in the customer base. Between the two years, PCS revenues posted increased across all sub-segments, with substantial growth in the Rest of the world (up 12.7%), in Poland (up 7.1%) and in the United Kingdom (up 6.0%).

HCS revenues (fixed-line and Internet services) amounted to 22.671 billion euros in 2007, down slightly by 0.2% compared to 2006. The strong growth achieved on ADSL broadband services, particularly in France, has to a great extent offset the downturn in traditional telephone services (traditional telephone subscriptions and communications) in France and Poland.

ECS revenues (business services) amounted to 7.721 billion euros in 2007, up 0.4% compared to 2006. Business network legacy had experienced a drop in revenues, linked to the migration of companies over to more recent technologies, the reduction in the volume of telephone communications and the drop in prices. Between 2006 and 2007, this drop was offset by the increase in revenues from extended business services, advanced business network services and other business services.

On a comparable basis, the increase in France Telecom group’s revenues between 2006 and 2007 was primarily the result of the increase in revenues from growing markets (see Financial glossary appendix), up 15.3%. Revenues from mature markets (see Financial glossary appendix) were up 1.0% between the two years.


Changes in the number of customers

On a historical basis, the number of France Telecom group customers through its controlled companies totaled 170.1 million customers at December 31, 2007, representing an increase of 7.3% in relation to December 31, 2006. The number of additional customers between December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2007 was 11.6 million for the Group. With 109.7 million customers at December 31, 2007, the number of mobile telephony customers is up 12.3% on December 31, 2006, with an additional 12.0 million customers. The number of customers subscribing for mobile broadband offers (EDGE and UMTS technologies) more than doubled, with 13.0 million customers at December 31, 2007, up from 5.8 million at December 31, 2006. Similarly, the number of Consumer ADSL broadband customers was growing rapidly, with 11.7 million at December 31, 2007, up from 9.7 m illion at December 31, 2006, an increase of 20.7%. The total number of Internet customers (broadband and low-speed) was 13.1 million at December 31, 2007, up 6.7% compared with December 31, 2006 (0.8 million additional customers).

On a comparable basis, the number of France Telecom group customers through controlled companies rose 9.2% between December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2007, while the number of mobile telephony and Internet customers was up 15.3% and 8.7% respectively in relation to December 31, 2006.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 9



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5.A.3.1.2   Operating expenses

Operating expenses included in the GOM amounted to 33.843 billion euros in 2007. Compared to revenues, operating expenses included in the GOM were down 0.2 points, passing from 64.1% of revenues in 2006, on a historical basis as well as on a comparable basis, to 63.9% of revenues in 2007.

Operating expenses excluding labor expenses (wages and employee benefit expenses)

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the following table presents a breakdown of operating expenses excluding labor expenses (wages and employee benefit expenses) by type for the France Telecom group.

 

Years ended December 31

  

(in millions of euros)

2007

2006 comparable basis (1)

2006
historical

basis

Change (%) comparable basis (1)

Change (%) historical basis

External purchases (2)

(23,156)

(22,681)

(22,809)

2.1%

1.5%

In% of revenues

43.7%

44.0%

44.1%

  

Commercial expenses (2)

(8,082)

(7,769)

(7,780)

4.0%

3.9%

Services fees and inter-operator costs

(7,895)

(7,938)

(8,053)

(0.5)%

(2.0)%

Other external purchases (2)

(7,179)

(6,974)

(6,976)

3.0%

2.9%

Other operating incomes and expenses

(1,920)

(1,707)

(1,762)

12.5%

8.9%

In% of revenues

3.6%

3.3%

3.4%

  

OPEX EXCLUDING LABOR EXPENSES(WAGES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFIT EXPENSES) (2)

(25,076)

(24,388)

(24,571)

2.8%

2.1%

In% of revenues

47.4%

47.3%

47.5%

  

(1)

Unaudited data. See Exhibit 99 Transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis for 2006.

(2)

Financial glossary appendix.


Operating expenses excluding labor expenses (wages and employee benefit expenses) included in the GOM (see Financial glossary appendix) amounted to 25.076 billion euros in 2007. Compared to revenues, operating expenses excluding labor expenses (wages and employee benefit expenses) were globally stable, at 47.4% of revenues in 2007, compared to 47.5% in 2006 on a historical basis and 47.3% on a comparable basis.

On a historical basis, operating expenses excluding labor expenses (wages and employee benefit expenses) rose 2.1%, i.e. an additional cost of 505 million euros between 2006 and 2007. This increase notably factored in the positive impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations (102 million euros) and the favorable impact of the changes in scope of consolidation and other changes (81 million euros).

On a comparable basis, operating expenses excluding labor expenses (wages and employee benefit expenses) rose 2.8% between 2006 and 2007, which represented an additional cost of 688 million euros. External purchases (see Financial glossary appendix), which represented 92% of operating expenses excluding labor expenses (wages and employee benefit expenses) in 2007, experienced limited growth of 2.1% between the two years, with other operating expenses (net of other operating incomes) increasing 12.5%.

External purchases

External purchases amounted to 23.156 billion euros in 2007, i.e. 43.7% of revenues. Between 2006 and 2007, external purchases compared to revenues were down 0.4 points on a historical basis (0.3 points on a comparable basis).

On a historical basis, a decrease of 1.5%, i.e. 347 million euros, in external purchases between 2006 and 2007 included the favorable impact in foreign exchange rate fluctuations (102 million euros) as well as the positive impact of changes in the scope of consolidation and other changes (27 million euros).

On a comparable basis, external purchases rose 2.1% between 2006 and 2007, with this growth driven primarily by the 4.0% increase in commercial expenses (see Financial glossary appendix). In accordance with the objective announced for 2007, this increase remained controlled, with a ratio of commercial expenses to revenues of 15.3% in 2007, up slightly compared to 2006 (15.1%). Moreover, service fees and inter-operator costs have decreased 0.5% in particular due to the impact of the reductions in call termination rates and better control of abundance offers. In relation to revenues, the share of service fees and inter-operator costs has thus dropped 15.4% in 2006 to 14.9% in 2007. Finally, the 3.0% increase in other external purchases (see Financial glossary appendix) was primarily linked to the increase in call center outsourcing fees. Compared to revenues, other external purchases were globally stabl e between the two years, at 13.6% in 2007 compared to 13.5% in 2006. In the end, the increase in external purchases between 2006 and 2007 (an increase of 2.1%) was kept under control with regards to the growth in revenues (up 2.8%).

Other operating incomes and expenses

In 2007, other operating expenses (net of other operating incomes) amounted to 1.92 billion euros, representing 3.6% of revenues. Between 2006 and 2007, other operating expenses (net of other operating incomes) were up 8.9% on a historical basis and up 12.5% on a comparable basis.

On a historical basis, the 158 million euros additional expense in other operating expenses (net of other operating incomes) between 2006 and 2007 included the positive impact of changes in the scope of consolidation and other changes (55 million euros), with foreign exchange rate fluctuations amounting to zero between the two years.

On a comparable basis, the 213 million euros additional expense in other operating expenses (net of other operating incomes) was explained primarily by, i) the recognition in 2006 of a provision reversal for 129 million euros relating to post-employments benefits for France Telecom group employees following the transfer of the Group’s social welfare benefits to the Works Council, and ii) income corresponding to a settlement indemnity relating to the Group’s activities in Lebanon in the amount of 22 million euros in 2007 compared to 74 million euros in 2006.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 10



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Labor expenses (wages and employee benefit expenses)

Labor expenses (wages and employee benefit expenses) included in the GOM (see Financial glossary appendix) do not include employee profit-sharing and share-based compensation (see Section 5.A.3.2 “From Group gross operating margin to operating income”).

Between 2006 and 2007, labor expenses (wages and employee benefit expenses) compared to revenues were stable on a historical basis. On a comparable basis, labor expenses (wages and employee benefit expenses) have dropped 0.2 points, from 16.8% of revenues in 2006 to 16.6% of revenues in 2007.

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the table below sets out, i) the labor expenses (wages and employee benefit expenses), ii) the average number of employees (full-time equivalent), and iii) the number of employees (active employees et end of period) for the France Telecom group, broken down between France Telecom S.A., subsidiaries in France and international subsidiaries.

 

Years ended December 31

  

LABOR EXPENSES (WAGES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFIT EXPENSES) AND NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES

2007

2006 comparable basis (1)

2006
historical basis

Change (%) comparable basis (1)

Change (%) historical basis

Labor expenses (wages and employee benefit expenses) (2) (3)

     

France Telecom S.A.

(5,329)

(5,442)

(5,379)

(2.1)%

(0.9)%

Subsidiaries in France

(640)

(554)

(514)

15.6%

24.4%

France total

(5,969)

(5,996)

(5,893)

(0.5)%

1.3%

International subsidiaries

(2,798)

(2,671)

(2,699)

4.8%

3.7%

GROUP TOTAL

(8,767)

(8,667)

(8,592)

1.2%

2.0%

In% of revenues

16.6%

16.8%

16.6%

  

Average number of employees (full-time equivalents) (2)

     

France Telecom S.A.

95,858

101,664

100,601

(5.7)%

(4.7)%

Subsidiaries in France

8,677

9,213

8,867

(5.8)%

(2.1)%

France total

104,535

110,877

109,468

(5.7)%

(4.5)%

International subsidiaries

79,264

80,466

79,560

(1.5)%

(0.4)%

GROUP TOTAL

183,799

191,343

189,028

(3.9)%

(2.8)%

Number of employees (active employees at end of period) (2)

     

France Telecom S.A.

97,355

100,986

99,902

(3.6)%

(2.5)%

Subsidiaries in France

8,817

9,191

8,986

(4.1)%

(1.9)%

France total

106,172

110,177

108,888

(3.6)%

(2.5)%

International subsidiaries

81,159

81,847

82,148

(0.8)%

(1.2)%

GROUP TOTAL

187,331

192,024

191,036

(2.4)%

(1.9)%

(1)

Unaudited data. See Exhibit 99 Transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis for 2006.

(2)

See Financial glossary appendix.

(3)

In millions of euros.


On a historical basis, labor expenses (wages and employee benefit expenses) for the Group increased 2.0%, i.e. a degradation of 175 million euros, between 2006 and 2007, amounting to 8.767 billion euros in 2007, compared to 8.592 billion euros in 2006. This increase can be explained primarily by the negative impact of changes in the scope of consolidation and other changes (92 million euros, corresponding primarily to the impact of the acquisition of the Groupe Silicomp in France), partially offset by the favorable impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations (17 million euros).

On a comparable basis, labor expenses (wages and employee benefit expenses) were up 1.2%, or an additional cost of 100 million euros, between the two years, changing from 8.667 billion euros in 2006 to 8.767 billion euros in 2007. This 1.2% increase in labor expenses (wages and employee benefit expenses) between 2006 and 2007 was the result of i) a 5.2% increase for the change in the average unit cost, partially offset by ii) a 3.9% reduction for the volume effect, linked to the reduction in the Group’s average number of employees, representing a decrease of 7,544 employees (full-time equivalents), and by iii) a 0.1% reduction for the structural effect, reflecting the difference between the average cost and the actual cost recorded for Group arrivals and departures.

5.A.3.1.3   Gross operating margin

“GOM” is a non-GAAP financial measure. For information on the calculation of the GOM and the reasons for which France Telecom uses this measure, see Item 5.G Financial measures not defined by IFRS and Financial glossary appendix.

On a historical basis, the France Telecom group’s GOM was up 3.1% compared to 2006, representing 577 million euros, amounting to 19.116 billion euros in 2007. Between the two years, the increase in the Group’s GOM included the negative impact of the foreign exchange rate fluctuations amounting to 63 million euros, partially offset by the favorable impact of changes in the scope of consolidation and other changes, representing 10 million euros.

On a comparable basis, the Group’s GOM was up 3.4%, i.e. 630 million euros, changing from 18.486 billion euros in 2006 to 19.116 billion euros in 2007. This increase can be explained:

by the 5.8% increase in PCS GOM, driven primarily by the 11.4% increase in PCS Rest of the world GOM (314 million euros) and by the 17.1% increase in PCS Poland GOM (122 million euros). This increase reflected the strong growth in mobile telephony activities, supported by dynamic growth in the customer base, as well as controlling operating expenses included in the GOM, in particular external purchases and labor expenses (wages and employee benefit expenses), which did not increase as fast as revenues; and

by the 2.1% increase in HCS GOM linked to the 8.9% increase in the HCS France GOM. This improvement in France was the result of the combined effect of the drop in operating expenses included in the GOM and the increase in revenues. The drop in operating expenses included in the GOM can be explained primarily by the sharp drop in service fees and inter-operator costs (primary effect of the drop in call termination rates). On the other hand, the change in HCS GOM between the two years was primarily the result of the 18.2% drop in HCS Poland GOM, primarily due to the downturn in traditional telephone services (traditional telephone subscriptions and communications).

These changes however were partially offset by the drop, on a comparable basis, of 5.1% in ECS GOM between 2006 and 2007, i.e. 72 million euros. This drop reflected the transformation of the ECS economic model with, i) downward pressure on network activity margin linked with stiffened competitive pressure internationally and the transformation over to IP solutions, and ii) the growing share in service activities.

In the end, the ratio of GOM to revenues came out at 36.1% for 2007, which was an increase of 0.2 points compared to 2006 on a historical basis as well as on a comparable basis, thus exceeding the announced target of near stabilization for this ratio in 2007 compared to 2006.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 11



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5.A.3.2   From Group Gross Operating Margin to Operating Income

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the following table presents the transition from GOM to operating income, detailing France Telecom group’s operating expenses included between GOM and operating income.

 

Years ended December 31

  

(in millions of euros)

2007

2006 comparable basis (1)

2006
historical

basis

Change (%) comparable basis (1)

Change (%) historical

basis

GOM

19,116

18,486

18,539

3.4%

3.1%

Employee profit-sharing

(359)

-

(346)

-

3.9%

Share-based compensation

(279)

-

(30)

-

ns

Depreciation and amortization

(8,111)

(7,827)

(7,824)

3.6%

3.7%

Impairment of goodwill

(26)

-

(2,800)

-

(99.1)%

Impairment of non-current assets

(107)

-

(105)

-

2.3%

Gains (losses) on disposal of assets

769

-

97

-

ns

Restructuring costs

(208)

-

(567)

-

(63.3)%

Share of profits (losses) of associates

4

-

24

-

(82.8)%

OPERATING INCOME

10,799

-

6,988

-

54.5%

(1)

Unaudited data. See Exhibit 99 Transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis for 2006.


Share-based compensation

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the following table shows the share-based compensation for the France Telecom group, broken down between free share award plan, employee shareholding plan and stock option plans.

(in millions of euros)

Years ended December 31

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION 

2007

2006

historical

basis

Free share award plan 

(149)

-

Employee shareholding plan 

(107)

-

Stock option plans

(23)

(30)

GROUP TOTAL

(279)

(30)


Depreciation and amortization

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the following table sets forth depreciation and amortization by business segment for the France Telecom group.

(in millions of euros)

Years ended December 31

  

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION

2007

2006

comparable basis (1)

2006
historical

basis

Change (%) comparable basis (1)

Change (%) historical

basis

Personal Communication Services (PCS)

(4,456)

(4,082)

(4,183)

9.1%

6.5%

Home Communication Services (HCS)

(3,238)

(3,351)

(3,241)

(3.4)%

(0.1)%

Enterprise Communication Services (ECS)

(420)

(397)

(402)

5.6%

4.3%

Eliminations

3

3

2

-

-

GROUP TOTAL

(8,111)

(7,827)

(7,824)

3.6%

3.7%

(1)

Unaudited data. See Exhibit 99 Transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis for 2006.


Compared to revenues, depreciation and amortization are up slightly, changing from 15.1% in 2006 on a historical basis (15.2% on a comparable basis) to 15.3% in 2007.

On a historical basis, depreciation and amortization increased 3.7% between 2006 and 2007, representing an additional expense of 287 million euros.

On a comparable basis, depreciation and amortization increased 3.6% (an additional cost of 284 million euros) between 2006 and 2007, and amounted to 8.111 billion euros in 2007. This increase resulted primarily from the impact of accelerated depreciation for certain fixed assets, especially for PCS France, and from the increase in depreciation and amortization of customer bases, primarily in Spain. Beyond these impacts, the end of amortization for certain assets between 2006 and 2007 completely offset the increase in capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets excluding licenses since 2004.

Impairment of goodwill

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the table below sets out the changes in the impairment of goodwill for the France Telecom group.

 

(in millions of euros)

 

Years ended December 31

 

IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL 

2007

2006

historical

basis

 

PCS in the United Kingdom

-

(2,350)

 

TP Group (1)

-

(275)

 

PCS in Netherlands

-

(175)

 

Other

(26)

-

 

GROUP TOTAL

(26)

(2,800)

(1)

PCS Poland and HCS Poland sub-segments.




2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 12



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In 2007, the impairment loss of goodwill is 26 million euros.

In 2006, the impairment loss recognized on the Personal Communication Services cash generating unit in the United Kingdom (2.35 billion euros) primarily stemmed from the change in the level at which return on investment was monitored. The reallocation of goodwill from the former Orange sub-group to each country within the sub-group significantly increased the net book value of the assets comprising the United Kingdom CGU (Cash Generating Unit), and resulted in the impairment of the excess amount indicated. The impairment loss of 175 million euros recognized in 2006 taken with respect to Personal Communication Services in the Netherlands was triggered by the same change. For Poland, the impairment loss of 275 million euros booked in 2006 was based on the business plan prepared by the company’s management and stemmed from an increase in the discount rate to 11.3% (against 9.5% for fixed-line and 1 0.5% for mobile in the past), to take account of the uncertainty generated by the local regulatory environment, with long-term growth rates remaining unchanged: 0% for fixed-line activities and 3% for mobile activities.

Gains (losses) on disposal of assets

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the table below shows the changes in the gains (losses) on disposal of assets for the France Telecom group.

  

Years ended December 31

GAINS (LOSSES) ON DISPOSAL OF ASSETS 

2007

2006

historical

basis

Sale of Tower Participations (company holding TDF) 

307

-

Sale of 100% of Orange’s mobile and Internet businesses in the Netherlands

299

-

Sale of 20% of Bluebirds Participations France (company holding Eutelsat Communications) 

104

-

Sale of 17.5% of One GmbH (share restructuring) 

36

-

Sale of 20% of Ypso Holding (cable network activities)

-

84

Sale of 100% of France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications (FTMSC)

-

10

Dilution impacts

-

25

Sales of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

20

(24)

Other

3

2

GROUP TOTAL

769

97


On October 11, 2006, France Telecom sold its entire 54% interest in PagesJaunes Groupe to Médiannuaire, a subsidiary of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co Ltd (KKR), for 3.287 billion euros (net of disposal costs). In 2006, the gain on the disposal, which amounted to 2.983 billion euros, was reported under consolidated net income after tax of discontinued operations (see Section 5.A.3.3.4 “Consolidated net income after tax of discontinued operations”).

Restructuring costs

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the following table shows restructuring costs for the France Telecom group by type.

(in millions of euros)

 

Years ended December 31

RESTRUCTURING COSTS 

2007

2006

historical

basis

Public service secondment costs 

(66)

(47)

Early retirement plan (1)

19

(280)

Contributions to the Works’ Committee in respect of early retirement plans

-

(13)

Other restructuring costs (2)

(161)

(227)

GROUP TOTAL

(208)

(567)

(1)

Impact of the change in the discount rate in 2007.

(2)

Including, i) in 2007, France Telecom S.A. for 97 million euros, and ii) in 2006, TP S.A. for 74 million euros and Orange in the United Kingdom for 39 million euros.


Operating income

The France Telecom group’s operating income was 10.799 billion euros in 2007, compared with 6.988 billion euros in 2006 on a historical basis, up 54.5%. This 3.811 billion euros increase between the two years primarily reflected the scale of the impairment of goodwill in 2006 (2.8 billion euros, compared with 26 million euros in 2007), the upturn in gains on disposal of assets (672 million euros) as well as the increase in GOM (577 million euros).

5.A.3.3   From Group Operating Income to Net Income

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the table below presents the transition from operating income to consolidated net income after tax for the France Telecom group.

  

Years ended December 31

(in millions of euros)

2007

2006

historical

basis

Operating income

10,799

6,988

Interest expenses, net

(2,521)

(3,155)

Foreign exchange gains (losses)

(4)

26

Discounting expense

(125)

(122)

Finance costs, net

(2,650)

(3,251)

Income tax

(1,330)

(2,180)

Consolidated net income after tax of continuing operations

6,819

1,557

Consolidated net income after tax of discontinued operations

-

3,211

Consolidated net income after tax

6,819

4,768

Net income attributable to equity holders of France Telecom S.A.

6,300

4,139

Minority interests

519

629




2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 13



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5.A.3.3.1   Finance costs, net

Finance costs, net were 2.650 billion euros in 2007, representing an improvement of 601 million euros compared to 2006 (3.251 billion euros). This improvement reflected the drop in interest expenses, net, representing a gain of 634 million euros between 2006 and 2007, partially offset by the unfavorable change in foreign exchange differences (30 million euros) between the two fiscal years.

France Telecom’s policy is not to engage in speculative transactions when using financial derivative instruments (see Item 11 “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”). Likewise, in terms of investments, France Telecom has a prudent management policy. The return on France Telecom S.A.’s investments stand at capitalized EONIA + 11 basis points in 2007 (compared to capitalized EONIA + 4 basis points in 2006).

Indicators for interest expenses, net

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the table below sets forth the interest expenses indicators for the France Telecom group.

 

Years ended December 31

(in millions of euros)

2007

2006

historical

basis

Change historical

basis

INTEREST EXPENSES, NET

(2,521)

(3,155)

634

Net financial debt at end of period (1)

37,980

42,017

(4,037)

Average outstandings of net financial debt over the period

37,884

44,402

(6,518)

Weighted average cost of net financial debt

6.46%

5.91%

-

(1)

See Financial glossary appendix.


The weighted average cost of net financial debt is calculated as the ratio of interest expenses, net, less exceptional and non-recurring items, to the average outstanding amount, calculated based on net financial debt adjusted for the amounts that do not give rise to interest, such as accrued interest payable and liabilities related to commitments to purchase minority interests.

The change in net financial debt for France Telecom is described in Section 5.B.3 Financial debt and financing resources.

Change in interest expenses, net

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the table below shows the changes in interest expenses, net by decrease and increase factors for the France Telecom group.

(in millions of euros)

Years ended December 31

Interest expenses, net for 2006 (historical basis)

(3,155)

Decrease factors:

 

Decrease in average outstandings of net financial debt over the period

385

Decrease in change in fair value of the price guarantee given to FT España minority shareholders(zero in 2007 versus -258 million euros in 2006) 

258

Adjustment in fair value of a bond issue (an item specific to 2006) 

189

Increase factors:

 

Increase in weighted average cost of net financial debt

(208)

Other items

10

INTEREST EXPENSES, NET FOR 2007

(2,521)


5.A.3.3.2   Income tax

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the following table shows the income tax for the France Telecom group.

(in millions of euros)

Years ended December 31

INCOME TAX 

2007

2006 historical basis

Current taxes

(609)

(591)

Deferred taxes

(721)

(1,589)

GROUP TOTAL

(1,330)

(2,180)


Income tax represented an expense of 1.330 billion euros in 2007, compared to an expense of 2.180 billion euros in 2006, due primarily to the 868 million euros drop in the Group’s deferred tax charge. This drop primarily stemmed from the 756 million euros decrease in the deferred tax charge for the France tax group between 2006 and 2007.

5.A.3.3.3   Consolidated net income after tax of continuing operations

Consolidated net income after tax of continuing operations came to 6.819 billion euros in 2007, up from 1.557 billion euros in 2006. This 5.262 billion euros increase between the two periods was the result of the increase in operating income (3.811 billion euros), the reduction in income tax expense (850 million euros) and the improvement in finance costs, net (601 million euros).

5.A.3.3.4   Consolidated net income after tax of discontinued operations

No consolidated net income after tax from discontinued operations was booked in 2007. In 2006, consolidated net income after tax from discontinued operations of 3.211 billion euros included the recognition of the sale of all of the stakes in PagesJaunes Groupe, which represented 2.983 billion euros, and the net income from PagesJaunes Groupe before it was sold, representing 228 million euros.

5.A.3.3.5   Consolidated net income after tax

The France Telecom group consolidated net income after tax totaled 6.819 billion euros in 2007, up 2.051 billion euros compared with the 4.768 billion euros recorded in 2006. The increase in consolidated net income after tax of continuing operations between the two years (5.262 billion euros) accounted for this growth, which was partially offset by the absence of consolidated net income after tax of discontinued operations in 2007 (compared to 3.211 billion euros, after income from the disposal of a 54% stake in PagesJaunes Groupe was recognized in 2006).

Minority interests represented 519 million euros in 2007, compared with 629 million euros in 2006.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 14



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After factoring in minority interests, net income attributable to France Telecom S.A. equity holders rose from 4.139 billion euros in 2006 to 6.300 billion euros in 2007, up 2.161 billion euros.

5.A.3.4   Group Capital Expenditures

“Capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets excluding licenses” (“CAPEX”) is a non-GAAP financial measure. For information on the calculation of the CAPEX and the reasons for which France Telecom uses this measure, see Item 5.G Financial measures not defined by IFRS and Financial glossary appendix.

5.A.3.4.1   Capital expenditures

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the following table presents the main indicators relative to capital expenditures for the France Telecom group.

 

Years ended December 31

  

(in millions of euros)

2007

2006 comparable basis (1)

2006
historical

basis

Change (%) comparable basis (1)

Change (%) historical

basis

CAPEX (2)

6,979

6,721

6,732

3.8%

3.7%

CAPEX / Revenues

13.2%

13.0%

13.0%

  

Telecommunication licenses 

85

283

283

(70.0)%

(70.0)%

Financial investments (3)

1,117

-

255

-

ns

(1)

Unaudited data. See Exhibit 99 Transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis for 2006.

(2)

See Item 5.G Financial measures not defined by IFRS , Financial glossary appendix.

(3)

See Financial glossary appendix.


Capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets excluding telecommunication licenses

On a comparable basis, the 3.8% increase in capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets excluding licenses (see Item 5.G Financial measures not defined by IFRS and Financial glossary appendix) between 2006 and 2007, can be explained by the increase in investment expense in growing markets, which increased by 285 million euros between 2006 and 2007.

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the following table sets out capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets excluding telecommunication licenses for the France Telecom group, broken down by business segment.

(in millions of euros)

Years ended December 31

CAPEX

2007

2006

comparable basis (1)

2006
historical

basis

Change (%) comparable basis (1)

Change (%) historical

basis

Personal Communication Services (PCS)

3,493

3,413

3,581

2.4%

(2.5)%

Home Communication Services (HCS)

3,080

2,879

2,721

7.0%

13.2%

Enterprise Communication Services (ECS)

406

429

430

(5.3)%

(5.5)%

GROUP TOTAL

6,979

6,721

6,732

3.8%

3.7%

(1)

Unaudited data. See Exhibit 99 Transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis for 2006.


In 2007, the ratio of capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets excluding licenses to revenues were 13.2% (compared to 13.0% in 2006, on a historical basis as well as on a comparable basis), in line with the objective announced to maintain this ratio in 2007 at the level for 2006.

On a historical basis, the 3.7% increase in capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets excluding licenses between 2006 and 2007, representing 247 million euros, included the negative impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations, amounting to 17 million euros, partially offset by the favorable impact of changes in the scope of consolidation and other changes, amounting to 6 million euros between the two years.

On a comparable basis, the increase in capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets excluding licenses reached 3.8% between 2006 and 2007, representing an increase of 258 million euros. This increase is due primarily to:

the increase in investments in the mobile subsidiaries of PCS Rest of the world, primarily in mobile networks (up 160 million euros), in line with the strong growth of these subsidiaries;

the 140 million euros increase in the Group’s IT investments, concerning the customer and billing area for the most part; and

the 64 million euros increase in HCS France’s investments in the fixed-line networks (equipment pertaining to transmission in order to handle the increase in speeds and also to develop the ADSL digital television offer).

On the other hand, investments in the mobile networks were down 180 million euros in France, the United Kingdom and Spain, since the networks in these countries have been completed.

Telecommunication licenses

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the following table sets out capital expenditures related to telecommunication licenses for the France Telecom group.

(in millions of euros)

Years ended December 31

  

TELECOMMUNICATION LICENSES

2007

2006

comparable basis (1)

2006
historical

basis

Change (%) comparable basis (1)

Change (%) historical

basis

Orange Niger 

48

-

-

-

-

Orange Guinea 

20

-

-

-

-

Orange Central African 

9

-

-

-

-

Orange Bissau 

5

-

-

-

-

Orange France (2)

-

281

281

-

-

Other

3

2

2

50.0%

50.0%

GROUP TOTAL

85

283

283

(70.0)%

(70.0)%

(1)

Unaudited data. See Exhibit 99 Transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis for 2006.

(2)

Updated amount of the fixed portion of the renewal of the Orange France GSM license for 15 years.




2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 15



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Financial investments

Financial investments (see Financial glossary appendix) are described in Section 5.B.1 Liquidity and cash flows.

5.A.3.4.2   Investment projects

FTTH

After completing the pilot phase, France Telecom undertook the pre-deployment phase in 2007 for its Very High Speed network in France. The decision for the wide-scale deployment of Very High Speed services from 2009 onwards is expected to be taken in 2008, in light of regulatory and market conditions, with the Group’s strategy in terms of optical fiber being to invest where customer use justifies it.

The FTTH (Fiber To The Home) pilot phase conducted in 2006 confirmed France Telecom’s technological choices. This phase has in particular enabled the Group to better pinpoint the practical conditions for optimum deployment of optical fiber, putting its technological choices to the test and identifying the needs of its customers.

The pre-deployment phase will run from 2007 to 2008 and aims to connect between 150,000 and 200,000 customers up to fiber out of a total base of over one million connectable customers by the end of 2008. Investments over 2007 - 2008 are expected to represent some 270 million euros, which is in line with the “NExT” plan (New Experience in Telecommunications).

The Consumer deployment phase of this project is planned to start in 2009. Indeed, the development of a mass Very High Speed market means that the equipment segment as well as operators and service and content providers are going to have to adapt. The Group believes that it will take at least two years for this change to take place, enabling Very High Speed to become a mass consumer market. In a regulatory environment that is well on the way to being clarified, Orange will be able to develop a range of Very High Speed services for its customers, creating value for the Group.

HSDPA

HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access), often called 3G+, is a UMTS development (also called 3G), that allows downlink speeds to be increased. Deployment was launched in France in September 2006, and at the end of 2007 covered 66% of the population, corresponding to UMTS coverage. HSDPA technology improves customer usage in terms of speed and reduces the cost / Mbit in high-demand areas. Deployment is also underway in Slovakia, Belgium, Spain, Poland and the United Kingdom.

IMS

After the deployment in France beginning in 2004 of the NGN infrastructure (Next Generation Network, infrastructure operating on a separation of transport and network and services control functions) to support the “Voice over IP” offering, France Telecom now intends to deploy a network and services control architecture based on IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem). This IMS architecture, which takes advantage of major efforts in standardization, allows for the progressive convergence of fixed-line and mobile networks and will allow for services to be deployed faster. Implementing an IMS-equipped NGN will start in the second half of 2008 in Spain.

IMS deployment will require new investments. Sharing a common IMS core between the fixed-line and mobile networks, for all residential customer and business services, should allow for savings in costs and investments for service development.

These various investment projects are in line with the Group’s overall strategy, and are also compatible with the objective of a ratio of capital expenditures in tangible and intangible assets excluding licenses (see Item 5.G Financial measures not defined by IFRS and Financial glossary appendix) to revenues of about 13%.

5.A.4

Analysis by Business Segment for 2007 and 2006

This section presents a comparison of 2006 and 2007 for the France Telecom group with an analysis by business segment and sub-segment of the principal operating data (financial data and workforce) and operating indicators.

“GOM” and “CAPEX” are non-GAAP financial measures. For information on the calculation of the GOM and the CAPEX and the reasons for which France Telecom uses these measures, see Item 5.G Financial measures not defined by IFRS and Financial glossary appendix.

Presentation of the business segments

The organization for France Telecom’s operational management is now built around i) business lines (personal, home, enterprise), and ii) integrated management teams at country level. Within this context, and in accordance with IAS 14 “Segment Reporting”, the Group has defined the following three business segments as the first level of segment reporting:

the “Personal Communication Services” (referred to hereinafter as “PCS”) segment covers mobile telecommunications services activities in France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Poland, and in the Rest of the world. It includes the entire Orange subsidiaries, as well as the mobile telephony business of FT España in Spain, TP Group in Poland (with its subsidiary PTK Centertel), and that of the Group’s other international companies;

the “Home Communication Services” (referred to hereinafter as “HCS”) segment covers the fixed-line telecommunications services activities (fixed-line telephony, Internet services, and services to operators) in France, Poland and in the Rest of the world, as well as the distribution activities and support functions provided to other business segments of the France Telecom group;

the “Enterprise Communication Services” (referred to hereinafter as “ECS”) segment covers business communication solutions and services in France and around the world.

Each of the business segments defined by the Group has its own resources, although they may also share certain resources in the areas of networks and information systems, research and development, distribution networks and other shared competencies.

The use of shared resources is taken into account in business segment results based on the terms of contractual agreements between legal entities, or external benchmarks, or by allocating costs among all the business segments. The supply of shared resources is included in inter-business segment revenues of the service provider, and use of the resources is included in expenses taken into account for the calculation of the service user’s GOM (for information on the calculation of the GOM and the reasons for which France Telecom uses this measure, see Item 5.G Financial measures not defined by IFRS and Financial glossary appendix). The cost of shared resources supplied may be affected by changes in regulations and may therefore have an impact on the business segment results disclosed from one year to another.

Business segment results correspond to operating income, excluding gains and losses on disposals of assets not directly related to the business segment concerned.

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the following tables presents the principal operating indicators, detailing by business segment for the France Telecom group i) at December 31, 2007, ii) at December 31,2006 (data on a comparable basis) and, iii) at December 31,2006 (data on a historical basis).



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 16



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Operating data by business segment for the year ended December 31, 2007

 

Years ended December 31, 2007

(in millions of euros)

PCS

HCS

ECS

Eliminations & unallocated items

Group total

Revenues

29,119

22,671

7,721

(6,552)

52,959

external

28,144

17,548

7,267

-

52,959

inter-segment

975

5,123

454

(6,552)

-

External purchases

(16,296)

(8,497)

(4,912)

6,549

(23,156)

Other operating incomes

258

1,023

97

(938)

440

Other operating expenses

(1,640)

(1,480)

(178)

938

(2,360)

Labor expenses:

     

Wages and employee benefit expenses

(1,464)

(5,918)

(1,385)

-

(8,767)

GOM

9,977

7,799

1,343

(3)

19,116

Employee profit-sharing

(65)

(268)

(26)

-

(359)

Share-based compensation

(18)

(232)

(29)

-

(279)

Depreciation and amortization

(4,456)

(3,238)

(420)

3

(8,111)

Impairment of goodwill

-

(26)

-

-

(26)

Impairment of non-current assets

(8)

(6)

(93)

-

(107)

Gains (losses) on disposal of assets

-

-

-

769

769

Restructuring costs

(27)

(153)

(28)

-

(208)

Share of profits (losses) of associates

4

-

-

-

4

Operating income

    

10,799

allocated by business segment

5,407

3,876

747

-

10,030

not allocable

-

-

-

769

769

CAPEX

3,493

3,080

406

-

6,979

Telecommunication licenses

85

-

-

-

85

Average number of employees

35,427

129,168

19,204

-

183,799


Operating data by business segment for the year ended December 31, 2006 (data on a comparable basis) (1)

 

Years ended December 31, 2006 (comparable basis (1))

(in millions of euros)

PCS

HCS

ECS

Eliminations & unallocated items

Group total

Revenues

27,538

22,725

7,689

(6,411)

51,541

external

26,553

17,733

7,255

-

51,541

inter-segment

985

4,992

434

(6,411)

-

External purchases

(15,470)

(8,673)

(4,945)

6,408

(22,680)

Other operating incomes

295

1,070

129

(1,000)

494

Other operating expenses

(1,508)

(1,515)

(179)

1,000

(2,202)

Labor expenses:

     

Wages and employee benefit expenses

(1,421)

(5,966)

(1,280)

-

(8,667)

GOM

9,434

7,641

1,414

(3)

18,486

Employee profit-sharing

-

-

-

-

-

Share-based compensation

-

-

-

-

-

Depreciation and amortization

(4,082)

(3,351)

(397)

3

(7,827)

Impairment of goodwill

-

-

-

-

-

Impairment of non-current assets

-

-

-

-

-

Gains (losses) on disposal of assets

-

-

-

-

-

Restructuring costs

-

-

-

-

-

Share of profits (losses) of associates

-

-

-

-

-

Operating income

    

-

allocated by business segment

-

-

-

-

-

not allocable

-

-

-

-

-

CAPEX

3,413

2,879

429

-

6,721

Telecommunication licenses

283

-

-

-

283

Average number of employees

35,608

137,004

18,731

-

191,343

(1)

Unaudited data. See Exhibit 99 Transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis for 2006.




2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 17



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Operating data by business segment for the year ended December 31, 2006 (data on a historical basis)

 

Years ended December 31, 2006 (historical basis (1))

(in millions of euros)

PCS

HCS

ECS

Eliminations & unallocated items

Group total

Revenues

27,745

22,487

7,652

(6,182)

51,702

external

26,770

17,701

7,231

-

51,702

inter-segment

975

4,786

421

(6,182)

-

External purchases

(15,653)

(8,520)

(4,816)

6,180

(22,809)

Other operating incomes

155

529

122

(333)

473

Other operating expenses

(1,034)

(1,384)

(150)

333

(2,235)

Labor expenses:

     

Wages and employee benefit expenses

(1,527)

(5,847)

(1,218)

-

(8,592)

GOM

9,686

7,265

1,590

(2)

18,539

Employee profit-sharing

(71)

(252)

(23)

-

(346)

Share-based compensation

(13)

(14)

(3)

-

(30)

Depreciation and amortization

(4,183)

(3,241)

(402)

2

(7,824)

Impairment of goodwill

(2,525)

(275)

-

-

(2,800)

Impairment of non-current assets

(31)

(72)

(2)

-

(105)

Gains (losses) on disposal of assets

-

-

-

97

97

Restructuring costs

(68)

(474)

(25)

-

(567)

Share of profits (losses) of associates

-

24

-

-

24

Operating income

    

6,988

allocated by business segment

2,795

2,961

1,135

-

6,891

not allocable

-

-

-

97

97

CAPEX

3,581

2,721

430

-

6,732

Telecommunication licenses

283

-

-

-

283

Average number of employees

37,214

134,447

17,367

-

189,028


5.A.4.1   Personal Communication Services (PCS)

The PCS segment covers mobile telecommunications services in France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Poland, and in the Rest of the world. It consists of five business sub-segments: i) the PCS France sub-segment, ii) the PCS United Kingdom sub-segment, iii) the PCS Spain sub-segment, with the FT España mobile business, iv) the PCS Poland sub-segment, with the subsidiary PTK Centertel, and v) the PCS Rest of the world sub-segment, covering international subsidiaries outside of France, the United Kingdom, Spain and Poland, i.e., primarily Belgium, Moldavia, Romania, Slovakia and Switzerland, as well as outside Europe, in Egypt, Jordan, Botswana, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mauritius, Madagascar, Mali, Senegal, Central African Republic and the Dominican Republic.

In October 2007, France Telecom sold Orange’s mobile and Internet operations in the Netherlands.

5.A.4.1.1   From revenues to gross operating margin and capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets for Personal Communication Services (PCS)

“GOM“ and “CAPEX” are non-GAAP financial measures. For information on the calculation of the GOM and the CAPEX and the reasons for which France Telecom uses these measures, see Item 5.G Financial measures not defined by IFRS and Financial glossary appendix.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 18



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For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the following table sets forth the principal operating data for the PCS segment and the PCS sub-segments.

(in millions of euros)

Years ended December 31

PERSONAL COMMUNICATION SERVICES (PCS)

2007

2006 comparable basis (1)

2006
historical

basis

Change (%) comparable basis (1)

Change (%) historical

basis

PCS

     

Revenues

29,119

27,538

27,745

5.7%

5.0%

GOM

9,977

9,434

9,686

5.8%

3.0%

GOM / Revenues

34.3%

34.3%

34.9%

  

CAPEX

3,493

3,413

3,581

2.4%

(2.5)%

CAPEX / Revenues

12.0%

12.4%

12.9%

  

Telecommunication licenses

85

283

283

(70.1)%

(70.1)%

Average number of employees

35,427

35,608

37,214

(0.5)%

(4.8)%

PCS France

     

Revenues

9,998

9,885

9,882

1.1%

1.2%

GOM

3,861

3,742

3,831

3.2%

0.8%

GOM / Revenues

38.6%

37.9%

38.8%

  

CAPEX

805

900

1,011

(10.6)%

(20.4)%

CAPEX / Revenues

8.0%

9.1%

10.2%

  

Telecommunication licenses

-

281

281

-

-

Average number of employees

5,372

5,689

7,006

(5.6)%

(23.3)%

PCS United Kingdom

     

Revenues

6,217

5,863

5,874

6.0%

5.8%

GOM

1,408

1,378

1,374

2.2%

2.4%

GOM / Revenues

22.6%

23.5%

23.4%

  

CAPEX

501

476

481

5.3%

4.0%

CAPEX / Revenues

8.1%

8.1%

8.2%

  

Telecommunication licenses

-

-

-

-

-

Average number of employees

11,035

11,542

11,583

(4.4)%

(4.7)%

PCS Spain

     

Revenues

3,404

3,315

3,353

2.7%

1.5%

GOM

805

846

932

(4.9)%

(13.6)%

GOM / Revenues

23.6%

25.5%

27.8%

  

CAPEX

464

554

554

(16.1)%

(16.1)%

CAPEX / Revenues

13.6%

16.7%

16.5%

  

Telecommunication licenses

-

-

-

-

-

Average number of employees

1,888

2,080

2,080

(9.2)%

(9.2)%

PCS Poland

     

Revenues

2,133

1,992

1,934

7.1%

10.3%

GOM

834

712

691

17.1%

20.6%

GOM / Revenues

39.1%

35.7%

35.7%

  

CAPEX

335

289

281

15.6%

19.0%

CAPEX / Revenues

15.7%

14.5%

14.5%

  

Telecommunication licenses

-

-

-

-

-

Average number of employees

3,206

3,161

3,161

1.4%

1.4%

PCS Rest of the world

     

Revenues

7,550

6,701

6,920

12.7%

9.1%

GOM

3,071

2,756

2,857

11.4%

7.5%

GOM / Revenues

40.7%

41.1%

41.3%

  

CAPEX

1,389

1,194

1,254

16.3%

10.7%

CAPEX / Revenues

18.4%

17.8%

18.1%

  

Telecommunication licenses

85

2

2

na

na

Average number of employees

13,926

13,137

13,384

6.0%

4.0%

(1)

Unaudited data. See Exhibit 99 Transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis for 2006.




2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 19



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Revenues - PCS

Revenues - PCS France

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the table below sets out the operating indicators for the PCS France sub-segment.

 

Years ended December 31

PCS FRANCE

2007

2006 comparable basis (1)

2006
historical

basis

Change (%) comparable basis (1)

Change (%) historical

basis

REVENUES (2)

9,998

9,885

9,882

1.1%

1.2%

Total number of customers (3)

24,226

23,270

23,268

4.1%

4.1%

o/w Number of contract customers (3)

15,699

14,716

14,714

6.7%

6.7%

o/w Number of prepaid customers (3)

8,527

8,554

8,554

(0.3)%

(0.3)%

o/w Number of broadband customers (3)

7,407

3,595

3,595

106.0%

106.0%

ARPU (4) (in euros)

398

410

410

(2.9)%

(2.9)%

AUPU (4) (in minutes)

198

189

189

4.6%

4.6%

(1)

Unaudited data. See Exhibit 99 Transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis for 2006.

(2)

In millions of euros.

(3)

In thousands. At end of period.

(4)

See Financial glossary appendix.


On a historical basis as well as on a comparable basis, PCS France revenues have shown growth (up 1.1% on a comparable basis and 1.2% on a historical basis) between 2006 and 2007, linked to the 0.9% growth in the network revenues (see Financial glossary appendix). The development of revenues generated with MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) also contributed significantly to this growth.

Excluding the impact of the reduction in call termination rates and the reductions in the roaming rates, revenues were up 4.9% in 2007 compared to 2006. This growth is due to:

primarily the significant jump in the number of customers, which rose 4.1% to nearly 24.2 million at December 31, 2007, and the increase in the proportion of contract customers in the total customer base, coming in at 64.8% at December 31, 2007, compared to 63.2% one year before; and

the 14% increase in revenues generated by “non-voice” services (see Financial glossary appendix). In 2007, “non-voice” services revenues accounted for 17.3% of network revenues, compared with 15.3% in 2006.

The average use per customer (AUPU) (see Financial glossary appendix) was up 4.6% at December 31, 2007.

The average revenue per customer (ARPU) (see Financial glossary appendix) was down 2.9% at December 31, 2007, primarily due, on one hand, to the unfavorable impact of the decrease in “voice” and Short Messaging Service (SMS) call termination rates and on the other hand, to the drop in roaming rates. Excluding this impact, ARPU grew 0.9%.

Revenues - PCS United Kingdom

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the table below sets out the operating indicators for the PCS United Kingdom sub-segment.

 

Years ended December 31

PCS UNITED KINGDOM

2007

2006 comparable basis (1)

2006
historical

basis

Change (%) comparable basis (1)

Change (%) historical

basis

REVENUES (2)

6,217

5,863

5,874

6.0%

5.8%

Total number of customers (3)

15,642

15,333

15,333

2.0%

2.0%

o/w Number of contract customers (3)

5,610

4,968

4,968

12.9%

12.9%

o/w Number of prepaid customers (3)

10,032

10,365

10,365

(3.2)%

(3.2)%

o/w Number of broadband customers (3)

1,798

931

931

93.1%

93.1%

ARPU (4) (in pounds sterling)

265

257

257

3.1%

3.1%

AUPU (4) (in minutes)

160

147

147

8.8%

8.8%

(1)

Unaudited data. See Exhibit 99 Transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis for 2006.

(2)

In millions of euros.

(3)

In thousands. At end of period.

(4)

See Financial glossary appendix.


On a historical basis, revenues for the PCS UK were up 5.8% compared to 2006, amounting to 6.217 billion euros in 2007. This change was primarily the result of intrinsic growth in the PCS United Kingdom segment.

On a comparable basis, the PCS UK recorded revenues growth of 6.0% between the two years. Revenues excluding equipment revenues (see Financial glossary appendix) are up 6.5%, due to:

the 2.0% increase in the total number of customers between December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2007 (representing around 0.31 million additional customers between the two periods), with 15.64 million customers at December 31, 2007, versus 15.33 million one year earlier. This growth was driven by the 12.9% increase in the number of contract customers (0.64 million additional customers between December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2007), in which the share in the total number of customers increased, coming in at 35.9% at December 31, 2007 compared to 32.4% at December 31, 2006;

the strong growth in revenues from “non-voice” services, generated by greater use of Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) and data services. In 2007, “non-voice” services revenues accounted for 21.7% of network revenues, compared with 20.2% in 2006; and

“voice” traffic growth, with the AUPU up 8.8% at December 31, 2007 compared with December 31, 2006.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 20



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Revenues - PCS Spain

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the table below sets out the operating indicators for the PCS Spain sub-segment.

 

Years ended December 31

PCS SPAIN

2007

2006 comparable basis (1)

2006
historical

basis

Change (%) comparable basis (1)

Change (%) historical

basis

REVENUES (2)

3,404

3,315

3,353

2.7%

1.5%

Total number of customers (3)

11,091

10,614

11,114

4.5%

(0.2)%

o/w Number of contract customers (3)

5,956

5,420

5,420

9.9%

9.9%

o/w Number of prepaid customers (3)

5,135

5,195

5,695

(1.2)%

(9.8)%

o/w Number of broadband customers (3)

1,605

422

422

na

na

ARPU (4) (in euros)

303

308

301

(1.6)%

0.7%

AUPU (4) (in minutes)

145

132

128

9.8%

13.3%

(1)

Unaudited data. See Exhibit 99 Transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis for 2006.

(2)

In millions of euros.

(3)

In thousands. At end of period.

(4)

See Financial glossary appendix.


On a comparable basis, the 2.7% revenues growth for PCS Spain sub-segment between 2006 and 2007 primarily resulted from the 4.5% increase on a comparable basis (excluding the impact of the 500,000 inactive customers removed from the prepaid offering in 2007) in the total number of customers which reached over 11 million at December 31, 2007, despite the impact of the end of the agreement with Euskaltel. The strategy carried out by PCS Spain is centered on customers with high added value, and has resulted in sharp growth of 9.9% in the number of contract customers while the number of prepaid customers was down slightly on a comparable basis between December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2007.

At the same time, the number of broadband customers was multiplied by four compared to December 31, 2006, coming in at 1.605 million customers on December 31, 2007.

The lower level of revenues growth compared with that in the number of contract customers over 2007 was due to the downturn in ARPU, due to rate reductions and the negative impact of the reduction in call termination rates and the drop in roaming rates, which were partially offset by the increase in AUPU. The latter was up 13.3% at December 31, 2007, favored by the value strategy carried out by PCS Spain and by the reduction in the average price for outgoing calls.

Revenues - PCS Poland

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the table below sets out the operating indicators for the PCS Poland sub-segment.

 

Years ended December 31

PCS POLAND

2007

2006 comparable basis (1)

2006
historical basis

Change (%) comparable basis (1)

Change (%) historical basis

REVENUES (2)

2,133

1,992

1,934

7.1%

10.3%

Total number of customers (3)

14,158

12,521

12,521

13.1%

13.1%

o/w Number of contract customers (3)

5,556

4,803

4,803

15.7%

15.7%

o/w Number of prepaid customers (3)

8,603

7,719

7,719

11.5%

11.5%

o/w Number of broadband customers (3)

223

81

81

175.3%

175.3%

ARPU (4) (in polish zlotys)

592

657

657

(9.9)%

(9.9)%

AUPU (4) (in minutes)

101

95

95

6.3%

6.3%

(1)

Unaudited data. See Exhibit 99 Transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis for 2006.

(2)

In millions of euros.

(3)

In thousands. At end of period.

(4)

See Financial glossary appendix.


On a historical basis, the PCS Poland sub-segment’s revenues were up 10.3% between 2006 and 2007 and reached 2.133 billion euros in 2007. This growth notably reflected the favorable impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations (58 million euros).

On a comparable basis, the 7.1% sustained on revenues growth was generated by the 13.1% sharp increase in the number of PTK Centertel customers compared to December 31, 2006 (with nearly 14.2 million customers at December 31, 2007) and by the 6.3% increase in the AUPU, driven by the new abundance offers. Conversely, the 9.9% reduction in ARPU between December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2007 primarily reflected the reduction in the rate for outgoing call prices, linked to the new abundance offers.

PTK Centertel, adopting the Orange brand in September 2005, has strengthened its competitive position, with over 1.6 million additional customers at December 31, 2007.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 21



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Revenues - PCS Rest of the world

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the table below sets out the operating indicators for the PCS Rest of the world sub-segment.

 

Years ended December 31

PCS REST OF THE WORLD

2007

2006 comparable basis (1)

2006
historical

basis

Change (%) comparable basis (1)

Change (%) historical

basis

Belgium

     

Revenues (2)

1,494

1,549

1,549

(3.6)%

(3.6)%

Total number of customers (3)

3,284

3,139

3,139

4.6%

4.6%

ARPU (4) (in euros)

414

-

464

-

(10.8)%

Romania

     

Revenues (2)

1,234

992

1,082

24.3%

14.0%

Total number of customers (3)

9,813

8,043

8,043

22.0%

22.0%

ARPU (4) (in euros)

130

-

138

-

(5.8)%

Switzerland

     

Revenues (2)

816

833

867

(2.0)%

(5.9)%

Total number of customers (3)

1,510

1,395

1,395

8.2%

8.2%

ARPU (4) (in euros)

504

-

606

-

(16.8)%

Egypt

     

Revenues (2)

757

587

630

28.9%

20.2%

Total number of customers (at 71,25%) (3)

10,771

6,603

6,603

63.1%

63.1%

ARPU (4) (in euros)

84

-

112

-

(25.0)%

Slovakia

     

Revenues (2)

744

708

643

5.0%

15.6%

Total number of customers (3)

2,864

2,691

2,691

6.4%

6.4%

ARPU (4) (in euros)

252

-

234

-

7.7%

Other subsidiaries (5)

     

Revenues (6)

2,506

2,032

2,148

23.3%

16.7%

Total number of customers (3)

16,303

11,479

13,526

42.0%

20.5%

TOTAL

     

Revenues (2) (7)

7,550

6,701

6,920

12.7%

9.1%

Total number of customers (3) (7)

44,545

33,350

35,397

33.6%

25.8%

o/w Number of broadband customers (3)

1,939

742

742

161.3%

161.3%

(1)

Unaudited data. See Exhibit 99 Transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis for 2006.

(2)

In millions of euros.

(3)

In thousands. At end of period.

(4)

See Financial glossary appendix.

(5)

Other subsidiaries include subsidiaries in Botswana, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritius, Jordan, Madagascar, Mali, Moldavia, the Dominican Republic, Central African Republic and Senegal.

(6)

In millions of euros. Includes the revenues from other subsidiaries and eliminations.

(7)

Selling of Orange’s mobile operations in the Netherlands on October 1, 2007.


On a historical basis, the 9.1% growth in PCS Rest of world revenues between 2006 and 2007 in particular included the negative impact, i) of foreign exchange rate fluctuations, primarily linked to the US dollar, and ii) changes in the scope of consolidation concerning the selling of Orange’s mobile operation in the Netherlands on October 1, 2007, partially offset by the positive impact of the full consolidation of Mobilecom in Jordan on July 5, 2006.

On a comparable basis, the 12.7% increase in revenues between the two years was primarily due to the overall increase in the number of customers, combined with strong business growth in emerging countries, particularly in Romania, Egypt, Senegal, Mali and the Dominican Republic. This change was partially offset by the negative impact of the reduction in call termination rates and the reduction in roaming rates on revenues growth and the ARPU in Europe, notably in the Belgium and Switzerland.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 22



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Gross operating margin - PCS

“GOM” is a non-GAAP financial measure. For information on the calculation of the GOM and the reasons for which France Telecom uses this measure, see Item 5.G Financial measures not defined by IFRS and Financial glossary appendix.

On a historical basis, PCS GOM showed 3.0% growth in 2007 compared to 2006 and came in at 9.977 billion euros. This increase primarily included the impact of changes in the scope of consolidation and other changes, in relation to, i) internal reorganization between business segments without any impact on the Group level, and ii) the selling of Orange’s mobile operation in the Netherlands on October 1, 2007, and iii) the full consolidation of Mobilecom in Jordan on July 5, 2006.

On a comparable basis, PCS GOM was up 5.8% between the two years. This 544 million euros increase can be explained primarily:

by the 11.4% growth in PCS Rest of the world GOM in 2007 compared to 2006, representing 314 million euros. This increase was primarily linked to growth in revenues, primarily in the emerging countries, which partially offset the increase in operating expenses included in the GOM, driven by, i) the increase in service fees and inter-operator costs due to increased traffic, ii) by the increase in commercial expenses, caused by overall growth in the number of customers, and iii) by the launching of operations in Guinea-Bissau, Guinea and the Central African Republic;

by the 17.1% growth in PCS Poland GOM between 2006 and 2007, representing an improvement of 122 million euros. This increase was primarily generated by the growth in revenues, partially offset by the 1.5% increase in operating expenses included in the GOM linked primarily to the increase in commercial expenses in order to support growth;

by the 3.2% increase in PCS France GOM when comparing the two years. This 119 million euros increase primarily reflected the growth in revenues, and to a lesser extent the 0.1% drop in operating expenses included in the GOM. This slight decrease reflected the effective control over management costs on the one hand, and the favorable impact of call termination rate cuts on domestic terminations on the other hand, offsetting the increase in commercial expenses within a highly competitive environment, and the rising costs related to the development of the broadband network. The increase in commercial expenses reflected the efforts made to retain customers in a fiercely competitive context, efforts that paid off with a 4.1% increase in the total number of customers between December 31, 2006 and December, 31, 2007. At the same time, the number of wireless broadband customers rose sharply, reaching more than 7.4 million customers at December 31, 2007; and

by the 2.2% increase in PCS United Kingdom GOM between the two years, representing an increase of 30 million euros. This increase was primarily generated by the growth in revenues, partially offset by the increase in operating expenses included in the GOM due in particular to the increase in service fees and inter-operator costs, linked to the abundance offers, generating an increase in inter-operator traffic and growth in the use of Short Messaging Service (SMS).

These increases were partially offset by the 4.9% drop (41 million euros) in PCS Spain GOM, stemming in particular from, i) the negative impact of the reduction in call termination rates and the reduction in roaming rates on revenues growth, and ii) the increase in service fees and inter-operator costs linked to the increase in traffic.

Capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets excluding licenses - PCS

“Capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets excluding licenses” (“CAPEX”) is a non-GAAP financial measure. For information on the calculation of the CAPEX and the reasons for which France Telecom uses this measure, see Item 5.G Financial measures not defined by IFRS and Financial glossary appendix.

On a historical basis, PCS capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets excluding licenses have recorded a 2.5% drop coming in at 3.493 billion euros in 2007, compared to 3.581 billion euros in 2006. This decrease primarily included the impact of changes in the scope of consolidation and other changes, in relation to, i) internal reorganization between business segments without any impact on the Group level, ii) the selling of Orange’s mobile operation in the Netherlands on October 1, 2007, and iii) the full consolidation of Mobilecom in Jordan on July 5, 2006.

On a comparable basis, the 2.4% increase in capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets excluding licenses, representing an increase of 80 million euros, can be explained primarily:

by the 16.3% growth (195 million euros increase) in investment expenses for PCS Rest of the world, which can be explained primarily by the increase in investment expense pertaining to, i) the extension of the network coverage and the development in the network linked to the growth in the number of customers in high-growth countries of PCS Rest of the world, and ii) to a lesser extent, the customer service platforms;

by the 15.6% increase, representing 45 million euros, in capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets excluding licenses for PCS Poland, stemming for a large part from the increase in investment expense concerning broadband access and network capacities; and

by the 5.3% increase in capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets excluding licenses for PCS United Kingdom. This 25 million euros increase is due in particular to the increase in investment expenses pertaining to IT equipment, partially offset by the drop in expenses pertaining to the networks due to a review of the investment expense program.

These increases were partially offset:

by a 10.6% drop, (95 million euros) in capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets excluding licenses for PCS France, primarily linked to the discounts obtained from equipment manufacturers on the renewal of network equipment started in July 2007 and the end of 2G capacity investments in areas covered by 3G; and

by the 16.1% drop (89 million euros) in investment expenses for PCS Spain stemming in particular from the drop in investments pertaining to access networks, due to the network sharing agreement with Vodafone.

Telecommunication licenses - PCS

In 2007, telecommunication licenses represented an expense of 85 million euros and primarily concerned the acquisition of licenses in Guinea, Central African Republic, Guinea-Bissau and Niger. In 2006, telecommunication licenses, representing 283 million euros on a historical basis as well as on a comparable basis, corresponded almost exclusively to the fixed portion of the renewal for 15 years of Orange’s GSM license in France.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 23



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5.A.4.1.2   From gross operating margin to operating income for Personal Communication Services (PCS)

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the following table shows the transition from GOM to operating income, detailing operating expenses included between GOM and operating income for the PCS segment.

(in millions of euros)

Years ended December 31

PERSONAL COMMUNICATION SERVICES (PCS)

2007

2006

comparable basis (1)

2006
historical

basis

Change (%) comparable basis (1)

Change (%) historical

basis

GOM

9,977

9,434

9,686

5.8%

3.0%

Employee profit-sharing

(65)

-

(71)

-

(8.2)%

Share-based compensation

(18)

-

(13)

-

36.6%

Depreciation and amortization

(4,456)

(4,082)

(4,183)

9.1%

6.5%

Impairment of goodwill

-

-

(2,525)

-

-

Impairment of non-current assets

(8)

-

(31)

-

(75.6)%

Gains (losses) on disposal of assets

-

-

-

-

-

Restructuring costs

(27)

-

(68)

-

(59.7)%

Share of profits (losses) of associates

4

-

-

-

-

OPERATING INCOME

5,407

-

2,795

-

93.5%

(1)

Unaudited data. See Exhibit 99 Transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis for 2006.


Depreciation and amortization - PCS

The depreciation and amortization is described, for the Group, in Section 5.A.3.2 “From Group gross operating margin to operating income”.

Impairment of goodwill - PCS

The impairment of goodwill is described, for the Group, in Section 5.A.3.2 “From Group gross operating margin to operating income”.

Operating income - PCS

On a historical basis, operating income for PCS segment totaled 5,407 million euros in 2007, compared with 2,795 million euros in 2006. This increase between the two periods reflected primarily the reduction in impairment of goodwill (with no impairment recorded in 2007) and, to a lesser extent, the increase in the GOM, partially offset by the growth in depreciation and amortization.

5.A.4.2   Home Communication Services (HCS)

The HCS segment covers fixed-line telecommunication service activities (fixed-line telephony, Internet services, and services for operators) in France, Poland and the Rest of the world, as well as distribution activities and support functions provided to other segments within the France Telecom group. It includes three business sub-segments: i) the HCS France sub-segment, ii) the HCS Poland sub-segment, which includes TP S.A. and its subsidiaries (excluding mobile subsidiaries), and iii) the HCS Rest of the world sub-segment, covering the fixed-line and Internet operations of international subsidiaries, excluding France and Poland, i.e. Spain and the United Kingdom, Ivory Coast, Mauritius, Jordan and Senegal.

In October 2007, France Telecom sold Orange’s mobile and Internet operations in the Netherlands



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 24



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5.A.4.2.1   From revenues to gross operating margin and capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets for Home Communication Services (HCS)

“GOM“ and “CAPEX” are non-GAAP financial measures. For information on the calculation of the GOM and the CAPEX and the reasons for which France Telecom uses these measures, see Item 5.G Financial measures not defined by IFRS and Financial glossary appendix.

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the following table sets forth the principal operating data for the HCS segment and the HCS sub-segments.

(in millions of euros)

Years ended December 31

HOME COMMUNICATION SERVICES (HCS)

2007

2006

comparable basis (1)

2006
historical

basis

Change (%) comparable basis (1)

Change (%) historical

basis

HCS

     

Revenues

22,671

22,725

22,487

(0.2)%

0.8%

GOM

7,799

7,641

7,265

2.1%

7.3%

GOM / Revenues

34.4%

33.6%

32.3%

  

CAPEX

3,080

2,879

2,721

7.0%

13.2%

CAPEX / Revenues

13.6%

12.7%

12.1%

  

Average number of employees

129,168

137,004

134,447

(5.7)%

(3.9)%

HCS France

     

Revenues

17,957

17,709

17,657

1.4%

1.7%

GOM

6,482

5,953

5,650

8.9%

14.7%

GOM / Revenues

36.1%

33.6%

32.0%

  

CAPEX

2,169

2,046

1,928

6.0%

12.5%

CAPEX / Revenues

12.1%

11.6%

10.9%

  

Average number of employees

91,776

98,161

96,560

(6.5)%

(5.0)%

HCS Poland

     

Revenues

2,886

3,139

3,048

(8.1)%

(5.3)%

GOM

1,205

1,473

1,430

(18.2)%

(15.7)%

GOM / Revenues

41.8%

46.9%

46.9%

  

CAPEX

627

504

489

24.4%

28.2%

CAPEX / Revenues

21.7%

16.1%

16.1%

  

Average number of employees

28,583

29,748

29,748

(3.9)%

(3.9)%

HCS Rest of the world

     

Revenues

2,100

2,100

2,005

0.0%

4.7%

GOM

112

216

185

(48.3)%

(39.7)%

GOM / Revenues

5.3%

10.3%

9.2%

  

CAPEX

284

330

304

(13.9)%

(6.6)%

CAPEX / Revenues

13.5%

15.7%

15.2%

  

Average number of employees

8,810

9,094

8,138

(3.1)%

8.3%

(1)

Unaudited data. See Exhibit 99 Transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis for 2006.




2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 25



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Revenues - HCS

Revenues - HCS France

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the table below shows revenues by product line, as well as the operating indicators for Consumer Services and for Carrier Services, of the HCS France sub-segment.

HCS FRANCE

Years ended December 31

 

2007

2006 comparable basis (1)

2006
historical

basis

Change (%) comparable basis (1)

Change (%) historical

basis

REVENUES (2)

17,957

17,709

17,657

1.4%

1.7%

Consumer Services

9,499

9,572

9,552

(0.8)%

(0.6)%

Carrier Services

6,143

5,906

5,776

4.0%

6.4%

Other HCS in France

2,315

2,231

2,329

3.8%

(0.6)%

Consumer Services

     

Number of Consumer telephone lines (3) (in millions)

23.0

-

25.5

-

(9.8)%

ARPU of Consumer fixed-line services (4)

(in euros)

30.6

 

28.0

 

9.3%

“Voice” telephone traffic of Consumer customers (5) (in billions of minutes)

33.5

-

40.5

-

(17.2)%

Number of Consumer customers for ADSL broadband usages (6)

7,296

-

5,916

-

23.3%

Number of subscribers to multi-service offers:

     

Number of leased Livebox (6)

5,209

-

3,437

-

51.6%

Number of subscribers to “Voice over IP” services (6)

4,102

-

2,081

-

97.1%

Number of subscribers to ADSL TV offers (6)

1,149

-

577

-

99.1%

Carrier Services

     

Traffic (in billions of minutes):

     

Domestic interconnection “voice” traffic

53.5

-

56.0

-

(4.5)%

Incoming international traffic

5.1

-

4.4

-

16.1%

Number of wholesale lines rental (6)

716

-

15

-

na

Total number of unbundled telephone lines (6)

5,187

-

3,919

-

32.4%

Number of partially unbundled telephone lines (6)

1,563

-

1,810

-

(13.6)%

Number of fully unbundled telephone lines (6)

3,624

-

2,109

-

71.8%

Number of wholesale sales of ADSL access to third party IAPs (6)

2,232

-

2,079

-

7.4%

o/w Number of wholesale sales of naked ADSL to third party IAPs (6)

942

-

188

-

na

(1)

Unaudited data. See Exhibit 99 Transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis for 2006.

(2)

In millions of euros.

(3)

At end of period. This figure included: i) the standard analog lines (excluding full unbundled lines) and Numéris channels (ISDN), with each Numéris channel counted as one line, and ii) since October 2006, lines without low-speed telephone subscriptions (naked ADSL) sold directly by France Telecom to its Consumer customers.

(4)

See Financial glossary appendix.

(5)

Outgoing STN telephone traffic from France Telecom customers to all destinations (STN and IP).

(6)

In thousands. At end of period.


On a historical basis, HCS France sub-segment revenues were up 1.7% in 2007 compared with 2006. This change included in particular the impact of internal reorganizations among business segments with no effect at the Group level and the selling of France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications (FTMSC) in 2006.

On a comparable basis, HCS France revenues grew 1.4% between the two years, coming in at 17.957 billion euros in 2007.

Revenues from Consumer Services

On a comparable basis, the slight drop of 0.8% in Consumer Services revenues, amounting to 9.499 billion euros in 2007, can be explained by the drop in switched telephone network (STN) sector and mature sectors (public telephones, leased terminals) which was partially offset by the fast development in ADSL broadband services. ARPU for Consumer fixed-line services (see Financial glossary appendix) was up substantially, from 28.00 euros at December 31, 2006 to 30.60 euros at December 31, 2007 (calculated on a rolling 12-months basis). This change stemmed from:

the 29.0% increase in revenues on Consumer Online and Internet access services linked to the rapid development of ADSL broadband services. Growth in the number of Consumer customers for ADSL broadband continued at a sustained rate with 7.296 million customers at December 31, 2007, representing 1.380 million new customers. The portion of ADSL customers with leased Livebox gateways changed from 58% at December 31, 2006 to 71% at December 31, 2007. The portion of ADSL customers having subscribed to “Voice over IP” services changed from 35% on December 31, 2006 to 56% at December 31, 2007. Most of the ADSL positioning since the beginning of 2007 concerned the “Subscription” and “Net” plans which included the “Voice over IP” service in the basic offer. The new “Net” offer which includes broadband access, “Voice over IP” and TV is an “all-IP” offer, and the client no longer has any STN access at all. This includes 0.941 million customers at December 31, 2007. The number of ADSL customers that subscribed to the “ADSL TV” offers changed from 0.577 million at December 31, 2006 to 1.149 million at December 31, 2007. Orange’s “ADSL TV” offer was enhanced with a pay package in May 2007, as well as several subscription options to on-demand video theme catalogues. The number of low-speed internet customers continues to drop quickly, with 0.655 million customers at December 31, 2007;

the 17.3% reduction in revenues from Consumer Calling services, primarily due to, i) the reduction in the total switched telephone traffic market (measured to the inter-connection), which has accelerated significantly since September 2005, in particular as the result of the development of “Voice over IP” services (17.2% drop in total STN traffic billed to customers of France Telecom), and ii) the impact of reductions in prices for calls to mobiles (to all mobile operators), which occurred on January 3, 2007 for professionals and January 18, 2007 for residential customers;

the 2.1% drop in Consumer Subscription fees revenues, due to the development of full unbundled lines, the wholesale offer of telephone subscriptions since the beginning of the year and the wholesale offer of naked ADSL to third party IAPs (Internet Access Providers) since October 2006 (for which the revenues are included in the “Carrier Services revenues” described hereinafter). In this way, the number of lines billed directly to customers through residential telephone subscription fees or Pros contracts fell by 9.9% between December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2007. These unfavorable impacts were partially offset by the positive impact of the 7% increases in the main subscription amount (1 euro), which went into effect on July 1, 2007 and on July 4, 2006; and



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 26



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the 12.8% drop in revenues from Other Consumer services between the two years, linked to the 23.1% drop in public telephone traffic and card services, as well as the downturn in the telephone terminal leasing business, with the number of leased terminals (excluding Livebox gateways) down 18.0% in one year. These negative effects were partially offset by the substantial growth in revenues generated through portals and content services (Orange portals online advertising).

Revenues from Carrier Services

On a comparable basis, the 4.0% increase in revenues from Carrier Services, which came in at 6.143 billion euros in 2007, can be explained:

by the 12.4% increase in revenues from Domestic Carrier services, driven primarily by the rapid development of the ADSL broadband market, particularly with the unbundling of telephone lines. At the same time, revenues from the wholesale sale of ADSL access to third-party IAPs (Internet Access Providers) grew 18.1% because of the increase in the number of ADSL accesses sold wholesale to third-party Internet access providers. The wholesale offer of telephone subscriptions grew substantially during 2007 with 0.150 million accesses at December 31, 2006 and 0.716 million accesses at December 31, 2007. Domestic interconnection revenues fell by 3.9% due to the drop in the domestic interconnection “voice” traffic and the continued drop in the “low-speed Internet” interconnection traffic. Lastly, revenues from data services to operators (leased lines and Turbo DSL services) were up slightly (2.6%), despite drops in rates, due to growth in installed capacity;

partially offset by the 3.6% drop in revenues from Other Carrier services corresponding to a great extent to the decrease in revenues from services provided to other France Telecom group business segments (lower telephone traffic volume and lower prices linked in particular to call terminations to mobiles).

Revenues from Other Home Communication Services in France

On a comparable basis, the 3.8% growth in revenues from Other Home Communication Services in France, amounting to 2.315 billion euros in 2007, stemmed primarily from the 5.7% increase in income generated by the services provided to other business segments (distribution of products and services, sales administration, customer service, interconnection, maintenance and billing), which accounted for 83% of revenues from Other Home Communication Services in France. In addition, external revenues recorded a 5.0% drop concerning information services in particular.

Revenues - HCS Poland

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the table below sets out the operating indicators for the HCS Poland sub-segment.


 

Years ended December 31

HCS POLAND

2007

2006 comparable basis (1)

2006
historical

basis

Change (%) comparable basis (1)

Change (%) historical

basis

REVENUES (2)

2,886

3,139

3,048

(8.1)%

(5.3)%

Consumer and Business customers

     

Number of fixed-line telephony customers (3)

8,950

10,128

10,128

(11.6)%

(11.6)%

Number of broadband Internet customers (3) (4)

2,022

1,712

1,712

18.1%

18.1%

Number of subscribers to multi-service offers:

     

Number of leased Livebox (3)

346

148

148

133.8%

133.8%

Number of subscribers to “Voice over IP” services (3)

132

14

14

na

na

Number of subscribers to ADSL TV offers (3)

40

3

3

na

na

Wholesale Services

     

Number of wholesale lines rental (3)

592

-

-

-

-

Number of Bitstream access (3)

132

-

-

-

-

(1)

Unaudited data. See Exhibit 99 Transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis for 2006.

(2)

In millions of euros.

(3)

In thousands. At end of period.

(4)

ADSL and SDI technology (rapid Internet access technology).


On a historical basis, revenues of HCS Poland, amounting to 2.886 billion euros in 2007 recorded a drop of 5.3% compared to 2006. This decrease included the positive impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations.

On a comparable basis, revenues of HCS Poland recorded a drop of 8.1% due primarily:

to the drop in “voice” revenues. The drop in revenues from communication services reflected in particular from the growing effect of the fixed-line-to-mobile substitution, the reduction in the telephone traffic and the fierce competitive environment. Continued migration of customers from traditional initial offers over to the New Tariff Plans (launched in 2004, with a higher subscription rate) was helping to curb the slowdown in telephone traffic, while increasing subscription fees revenues, which rose from 57% of “voice” revenues in 2006 to 61% in 2007;

partially offset by the increase in revenues from growing services such as broadband internet access and managed network businesses. On a comparable basis, broadband Internet access revenues rose 5% in 2007 compared to 2006, driven by the 18% increase in the number of broadband Internet customers (0.310 million new customers over the year). The broadband offers were enhanced with the launch of the Livebox in 2006 (346,000 customers at December 31, 2007). This favorable change has enabled TP S.A. to maintain a leading position in the Polish broadband market, and to more than offset the drop in low-speed Internet revenues, which accounted for 5% of total revenues from Internet access services. Data transmission services (including low and high-speed Internet, data transmission and leased lines), up 3.7% in 2007, represented 21% of total HCS Poland sub-segment revenues, compared with 19% in 2006.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 27



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Revenues - HCS Rest of the world

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the table below sets out the operating indicators for the HCS Rest of the world sub-segment.

 

Years ended December 31

HCS REST OF THE WORLD

2007

2006 comparable basis (1)

2006
historical basis

Change (%) comparable basis (1)

Change (%) historical basis

Spain (2)

     

Revenues (3)

604

629

558

(4.0)%

8.2%

Number of broadband Internet customers (ADSL) (4)

1,177

918

640

28.2%

83.9%

United Kingdom

     

Revenues (3)

403

425

426

(5.1)%

(5.4)%

Number of broadband Internet customers (ADSL) (4)

1,138

1,063

1,063

7.1%

7.1%

Senegal

     

Revenues (3)

390

378

378

3.1%

3.1%

Number of fixed-line telephony customers (4)

269

283

283

(4.9)%

(4.9)%

Jordan (5)

     

Revenues (3)

258

261

203

(0.9)%

27.5%

Number of fixed-line telephony customers (4)

559

614

614

(9.0)%

(9.0)%

Ivory Coast

     

Revenues (3)

182

169

169

8.1%

8.1%

Number of fixed-line telephony customers (4)

250

271

271

(7.7)%

(7.7)%

Other subsidiaries (6)

     

Revenues (7)

262

238

271

10.0%

(3.5)%

TOTAL

     

Revenues (3)

2,100

2,100

2,005

0.0%

4.7%

(1)

Unaudited data. See Exhibit 99 Transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis for 2006.

(2)

Acquisition of T-Online Telecommunications Spain (now FT España ISP), operating under the Ya.com brand, on July 31, 2007.

(3)

In millions of euros.

(4)

In thousands. At end of period.

(5)

Full consolidation of Jordan Telecommunications Company (JTC) and its subsidiaries on July 5, 2006, previously proportionately consolidated at 40.0%.

(6)

Other subsidiaries include in particular subsidiaries in Mauritius.

(7)

In millions of euros. Includes the revenues from other subsidiaries and eliminations.


On a historical basis, the 4.7% growth in HCS Rest of the world revenues in 2007, at 2.100 billion euros, was in particular due to the favorable impact of the changes in the scope of consolidation concerning in particular, i) the full consolidation of Jordan Telecommunications Company and its subsidiaries on July 5, 2006, and ii) the acquisition of Ya.com in Spain on July 31, 2007, partially offset by the negative impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations and the selling of Orange’s mobile operation in the Netherlands on October 1, 2007.

On a comparable basis, the stability in the revenues recorded by the HCS Rest of the world sub-segment primarily reflected the growth in revenues in the Ivory Coast and in Senegal, which fully offset the decrease in revenues in Spain and in the United Kingdom (the decrease in low-speed Internet revenues being only partially offset by the increase in broadband revenues).

Gross operating margin - HCS

“GOM” is a non-GAAP financial measure. For information on the calculation of the GOM and the reasons for which France Telecom uses this measure, see Item 5.G Financial measures not defined by IFRS and Financial glossary appendix.

On a historical basis, HCS GOM grew 7.3% between 2006 and 2007, at 7.799 billion euros, including in particular the impact of the changes in the scope of consolidation and other changes concerning in particular, i) internal reorganizations among business segments with no effect at Group level, and ii) the full consolidation of Jordan Telecommunications Company and its subsidiaries on July 5, 2006.

On a comparable basis, the 2.1% increase in HCS GOM, representing an increase of 158 million euros between 2006 and 2007, can be explained by the 8.9% increase in HCS France GOM between 2006 and 2007. This increase of 529 million euros was driven by the drop in operating expenses included in the GOM, stemming i) from the decrease in service fees and inter-operator costs, following the reduction in the price of fixed-line-to-mobile call termination rates, and ii) the decrease in labor expenses (wages and employee benefit expenses), related primarily to the reduction in the workforce (6.5% drop in the average number of full-time equivalent employees, see Financial glossary appendix) on the one hand, and from the growth in revenues, driven by the development of ADSL broadband services and the wholesale offering for broadband access on the other hand.

Between 2006 and 2007, the increase in HCS France GOM was partially offset:

by the 18.2% drop in HCS Poland GOM, which decreased 268 million euros between 2006 and 2007, primarily due to the drop in revenues and to a lesser extent to the increase in operating expenses included in the GOM. The increase in operating expenses included in the GOM concerns, i) other operating expenses (net of other operating incomes), for which the increase was primarily the result of an the increase in provisions, and ii) outsourcing fees relating to technical operation and maintenance as well as IT expenses subsequent to the new outsourcing contracts for network installation and maintenance. These increases were partially offset by the reduction in service fees and inter-operator costs, following the sharp reduction in the price of mobile call termination rates. Labor expenses (wages and employee benefit expenses) were up slightly compared to 2006, with the volume impact in duced by the drop in the average number of employees (full-time equivalents) being offset by a price effect, reflecting in particular the increase in the skills and qualifications for some employee profiles; and

by the 48.3% reduction in HCS Rest of the world GOM. This 104 million euros decrease stemmed primarily from the drop in United Kingdom and Spain GOM due in particular to the drop in revenues, which was partially offset by the increase in Ivory Coast GOM, driven primarily by growth in revenues.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 28



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Capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets excluding licenses - HCS

“Capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets excluding licenses” (“CAPEX”) is a non-GAAP financial measure. For information on the calculation of the CAPEX and the reasons for which France Telecom uses this measure, see Item 5.G Financial measures not defined by IFRS and Financial glossary appendix.

On a historical basis, capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets excluding licenses have recorded a 13.2% increase coming in at 3.080 billion euros in 2007. This increase primarily included the impact of changes in the scope of consolidation and other changes in relation to, i) internal reorganization between business segments without any impact on the Group level, and ii) the acquisition of Ya.com in Spain on July 31, 2007.

On a comparable basis, the 7.0% increase (201 million euros in 2007) in HCS capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets excluding licenses primarily concerned:

the investment expenses of HCS France, showing growth of 6.0% over the year (representing an increase of 123 million euros). This increase primarily concerned, i) equipment pertaining to transmission (in order to handle the increase in speeds) and also to develop the ADSL digital television offer, and ii) the modernization of the network of Orange boutiques, aiming to optimize the location and size of the boutiques in order to increase the quality of customer relations and the volume of sales transactions; and

the investment expenses of HCS Poland, with a 24.4% increase (123 million euros during the year). This increase stemmed from the transformation of segments with the development of converging offers and products (especially Livebox) and the optimization of the support functions.

5.A.4.2.2   From gross operating margin to operating income for Home Communication Services (HCS)

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the following table shows the transition from GOM to operating income, detailing operating expenses included between GOM and operating income for the HCS segment.

(in millions of euros)

Years ended December 31

HOME COMMUNICATION SERVICES (HCS)

2007

2006 comparable basis (1)

2006
historical

basis

Change (%) comparable basis (1)

Change (%) historical
basis

GOM

7,799

7,641

7,265

2.1%

7.3%

Employee profit-sharing

(268)

-

(252)

-

6.3%

Share-based compensation

(232)

-

(14)

-

ns

Depreciation and amortization

(3,238)

(3,351)

(3,241)

(3.4)%

(0.1)%

Impairment of goodwill

(26)

-

(275)

-

(90.6)%

Impairment of non-current assets

(6)

-

(72)

-

(91.8)%

Gains (losses) on disposal of assets

-

-

-

-

-

Restructuring costs

(153)

-

(474)

-

(67.8)%

Share of profits (losses) of associates

-

-

24

-

-

OPERATING INCOME

3,876

-

2,961

-

30.9%

(1)

Unaudited data. See Exhibit 99 Transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis for 2006.


Share-based compensation - HCS

On a historical basis, the share-based compensation amounted to an expense of 232 million euros in 2007, compared with an expense of 14 million euros in 2006. This increase notably included in 2007 i) the part for HCS segment of the free share award plan, setting up by France Telecom and covering 10.8 million shares, which represents 0.4% of the capital of France Telecom S.A, and ii) the part for HCS segment of the share offer reserved for employees of France Telecom group launched in December 2007, following the June 2007 sale by the French State of 130 million of its France Telecom shares, representing 5% of the capital.

Depreciation and amortization - HCS

The depreciation and amortization is described, for the Group, in Section 5.A.3.2 “From Group gross operating margin to operating income”.

Impairment of goodwill - HCS

The impairment of goodwill is described, for the Group, in Section 5.A.3.2 “From Group gross operating margin to operating income”.

Restructuring costs - HCS

On a historical basis, restructuring costs amounted to a cost of 153 million euros in 2007, compared with a cost of 474 million euros in 2006. This decrease notably concerned the early retirement plan, with substantial costs recorded in 2006, last year of eligibility for the plan.

Operating income - HCS

On a historical basis, operating income for HCS segment totaled 3,876 million euros in 2007, compared with 2,961 million euros in 2006. This increase between the two periods reflected mainly the combined effect of the increase in the GOM and the decrease in restructuring costs, partially offset by the increase in share-based compensation.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 29



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5.A.4.3   Enterprise Communication Services (ECS)

The ECS segment covers communication solutions and services provided to businesses in France and around the world.

5.A.4.3.1   From revenues to gross operating margin and capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets for Enterprise Communication Services (ECS)

“GOM“ and “CAPEX” are non-GAAP financial measures. For information on the calculation of the GOM and the CAPEX and the reasons for which France Telecom uses these measures, see Item 5.G Financial measures not defined by IFRS and Financial glossary appendix.

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the following table sets forth the principal operating data for the ECS segment.

(in millions of euros)

Years ended December 31

ENTERPRISE COMMUNICATION SERVICES (ECS)

2007

2006

comparable basis (1)

2006
historical

basis

Change (%) comparable basis (1)

Change (%) historical

basis

Revenues

7,721

7,689

7,652

0.4%

0.9%

GOM

1,343

1,414

1,590

(5.1)%

(15.6)%

GOM / Revenues

17.4%

18.4%

20.8%

  

CAPEX

406

429

430

(5.3)%

(5.5)%

CAPEX / Revenues

5.3%

5.6%

5.6%

  

Average number of employees

19,204

18,731

17,367

2.5%

10.6%

(1)

Unaudited data. See Exhibit 99 Transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis for 2006.


Revenues - ECS

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the table below shows the revenues by product line and the operating indicators for the ECS segment.

 

Years ended December 31

ENTERPRISE COMMUNICATION SERVICES (ECS)

2007

2006 comparable basis (1)

2006
historical

basis

Change (%) comparable basis (1)

Change (%) historical

basis

REVENUES (2)

7,721

7,689

7,652

0.4%

0.9%

Business network legacy

3,648

4,023

4,063

(9.3)%

(10.2)%

Advanced business network

1,964

1,834

1,879

7.1%

4.6%

Extended business services

1,139

996

836

14.4%

36.3%

Other business services

970

837

874

15.9%

10.9%

Operating indicators

     

Number of Business telephone lines in France (3) (in millions)

5.6

-

5.8

-

(2.7)%

Total number of permanent accesses to data networks in France (4) (5)

322.0

-

300.3

-

7.2%

o/w Number of IP-VPN accesses in France (4) (5)

242.0

-

209.2

-

15.7%

Number of IP-VPN accesses worldwide (5)

295.7

-

256.1

-

15.5%

Number of Business Everywhere mobile services users in France (5)

571.4

-

485.8

-

17.6%

(1)

Unaudited data. See Exhibit 99 Transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis for 2006.

(2)

In millions of euros.

(3)

At end of period. This figure included standard analog lines (excluding full unbundled lines) and Numéris (ISDN) channels, with each Numéris channel accounted for as one line.

(4)

Access by customers outside the France Telecom group, excluding carrier market.

(5)

In thousands. At end of period.


On a historical basis, ECS revenues were up 0.9% between 2006 and 2007. This change in particular included the positive impact of changes in the scope of consolidation and other changes primarily following the acquisition of Groupe Diwan on July 27, 2006 and the Groupe Silicomp on January 4, 2007.

Revenues from Business network legacy

On a comparable basis, the 9.3% drop in Business network legacy revenues in 2007 compared to 2006 was primarily due:

to the 16.8% drop in data legacy revenues. The net slowdown in the downward trend in data infrastructure legacy revenues, occurring mainly in France stemmed from the progressive lessening of the impact of migration of our major customers over to more recent technologies which were mostly complete at the end of 2005. Likewise, the lower revenues recorded on managed network legacy was not as high as the previous year and reflected the continued disconnections of customers opting for IP solutions; and

to a lesser extent, to the 5.7% drop in voice legacy revenues (representing 70% of business network legacy revenues). This drop can be explained, i) by the 8.4% drop in the volume of Business calling services (reduction in the market measured at the interconnection), ii) by the impact of the drop in prices, primarily linked to discounts given to businesses on their communications and to rate cuts on fixed-line-to-mobile calls, and iii) by the drop in the traffic and in the average price per minute of customer relations services (Audiotel, Welcome no.), due to free-of-charge hold time and progressive shift over to Internet and SMS supports for business concerning the highest rate brackets.

The number of Business telephone lines in France fell only slightly, with the reduction in the number of Numéris (ISDN) channels, gradually being replaced by IP access over xDSL, offset in part by the increase in the number of analog lines supporting the migration media over to IP solutions, and the fact that businesses have not yet substantially migrated over to “Voice over IP”.

Revenues from the Advanced business network

On a comparable basis, the significant increase of 7.1% between 2006 and 2007 in Advanced business network revenues can be explained:

primarily by the 6.2% growth in revenues from IP network services, representing 91% of Advanced business network revenues. This growth reflects the trend to consolidating the migration of enterprises over to IP networks. This consolidation is also substantial at the level of growth in the number of IP-VPN accesses in France, which is continuing with however a slight show of inflexion (up 15.7% in 2007 compared to 2006); and

by growth in data infrastructure advanced revenues, which is entirely generated in France and includes xDSL support and very high speed services, reflecting the development of very high speed services such as MAN Ethernet and Ethernet LINK.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 30



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Revenues from Extended business services

On a historical basis, revenues from Extended business services increased 36.3% between 2006 and 2007, partially linked to the acquisition of Groupe Diwan, Neocles Corporate and Groupe Silicomp.

On a comparable basis, the 14.4% increase between 2006 and 2007 in revenues from Extended business services first stemmed from sustained growth of 25.5% in revenues from platform services, especially in France. Likewise, revenues from project consulting and management have recorded considerable growth of 19.1% in 2007 compared to 2006. Finally, after a constant phase of growth in 2006, revenues from integration services, which included revenues linked to on-site services and customer assistance, tended to stabilize in 2007.

Revenues from Other business services

On a comparable basis, revenues from Other business services, which included the broadcasting segment, a market in which France Telecom operates through its subsidiary GlobeCast, and the business sector of selling network equipment (PBX, IPBX, routers), grew 15.9% between 2006 and 2007. This growth was primarily the result of a substantial growth in revenues stemming from the sale of network equipment, generated by the award to France Telecom of major contracts, in France as well as internationally (especially in the emerging countries); in addition at the same time, the broadcasting sector continued to grow.

Gross operating margin - ECS

“GOM” is a non-GAAP financial measure. For information on the calculation of the GOM and the reasons for which France Telecom uses this measure, see Item 5.G Financial measures not defined by IFRS and Financial glossary appendix.

On a historical basis, ECS GOM amounted to 1.343 billion euros in 2007, down 15.6% compared to 2006 and primarily includes the impact of changes in the scope of consolidation and other changes in relation to, i) internal reorganization between business segments without any impact on the Group level, and ii) the acquisition of Groupe Silicomp on January 4, 2007.

On a comparable basis, ECS GOM was down 5.1%. As such, the GOM to revenues ratio was down 1.0 points, amounting to 17.4% in 2007. This drop in GOM reflected the transformation of the economic model with, i) downward pressure on network activity margin linked with stiffened competitive pressure internationally and the transformation over to IP solutions, and ii) the growing share in service activities.

Capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets excluding licenses - ECS

“Capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets excluding licenses” (“CAPEX”) is a non-GAAP financial measure. For information on the calculation of the CAPEX and the reasons for which France Telecom uses this measure, see Item 5.G Financial measures not defined by IFRS and Financial glossary appendix.

On a comparable basis, Capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets excluding licenses amounted to 406 million euros in 2007, down 5.3% compared to 2006. These expenditures were in line with those for 2006 and mainly concerned connectivity and continued development of the services segment.

5.A.4.3.2   From gross operating margin to operating income for Enterprise Communication Services (ECS)

For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the following table shows the transition from GOM to operating income, detailing operating expenses included between GOM and operating income for the ECS segment.

(in millions of euros)

Years ended December 31

ENTERPRISE COMMUNICATION SERVICES (ECS)

2007

2006

comparable basis (1)

2006
historical

basis

Change (%) comparable basis (1)

Change (%) historical

basis

GOM

1,343

1,414

1,590

(5.1)%

(15.6)%

Employee profit-sharing

(26)

-

(23)

-

11.5%

Share-based compensation

(29)

-

(3)

-

ns

Depreciation and amortization

(420)

(397)

(402)

5.6%

4.3%

Impairment of goodwill

-

-

-

-

-

Impairment of non-current assets

(93)

-

(2)

-

ns

Gains (losses) on disposal of assets

-

-

-

-

-

Restructuring costs

(28)

-

(25)

-

12.8%

Share of profits (losses) of associates

-

-

-

-

-

OPERATING INCOME

747

-

1,135

-

(34.2)%

(1)

Unaudited data. See Exhibit 99 Transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis for 2006.


Depreciation and amortization - ECS

The depreciation and amortization is described, for the Group, in Section 5.A.3.2 “From Group gross operating margin to operating income”.

Operating income - ECS

On a historical basis, operating income for ECS segment totaled 747 million euros in 2007, compared with 1,135 million euros in 2006. This decrease between the two periods reflected mainly the combined effect of the reduction in the GOM and the impairment of non-current assets recorded on 2007 for a loss of 93 million euros.




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5.B  LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

This section presents, for the France Telecom group, i) an analysis of liquidity and cash flows, with a presentation of organic cash flow, of the net cash provided by operating activities, of the net cash used in investing activities and of the net cash used in financing activities, ii) equity and iii) financial debt and financial resources.

5.B.1 Liquidity and cash flows

The table below is a simplified consolidated statement of cash flows for the France Telecom group (for more details see the Consolidated statement of cash flows).

(in millions of euros)

Year ended December 31  

 

2008

2007

historical basis

2006

historical basis

Net cash provided by operating activities

14,999

14,644

13,863

Net cash used in investing activities

(8,035)

(6,881)

(4,691)

Net cash used in financing activities

(6,057)

(7,654)

(9,271)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

907

109

(99)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   

and other non-monetary effects

(132)

(54)

(28)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

4,025

3,970

4,097

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

4,800

4,025

3,970

At the date of this annual report , France Telecom believes that its existing cash resources and cash from operations are sufficient to finance its foreseeable working capital requirements.

Organic cash flow

Organic cash flow is not a financial measure defined by IFRS. For further information on the calculation of organic cash flow and the reasons why the France Telecom group uses this measure, see Item 5G Financial measures not defined by IFRS and the Financial glossary appendix.

France Telecom uses organic cash flow as an operational performance indicator to measure the cash flow generated by operating activities, excluding cash paid for investment securities (net of cash acquired) and excluding proceeds from sales of investment securities (net of cash transferred).

From GOM to net cash provided by operating activities

(in millions of euros)

Year ended December 31

 

2008

2007

2006

2006

  

historical basis

excluding PagesJaunes Groupe (1)

historical basis

GOM

19,399

19,116

18,539

18,539

GOM of discontinued operations (1)

-

-

-

361

Elimination of non-monetary items included in GOM

(22)

34

(198)

(197)

Interest paid and interest rates effects on derivatives, net

(net of dividends and interest income received)

(2,262)

(2,411)

(2,695)

(2,684)

Income tax paid

(878)

(791)

(481)

(606)

Payments made under the early retirement plan (2)

(661)

(893)

(953)

(953)

Restructuring costs paid (3)

(393)

(272)

(237)

(237)

Employee profit-sharing paid

(359)

(346)

(349)

(382)

Change in total working capital requirement (4) (5)

199

281

(17)

43

• Change in operating working capital requirement (4)

613

61

(336)

(235)

• Change in other items of the working capital requirement (5)

(414)

220

319

278

Elimination of other non-monetary items and other items paid

(24)

(74)

(21)

(21)

Net cash provided by operating activities

14,999

14,644

13,588

13,863

(1)

PagesJaunes Groupe was disposed of on October 11, 2006 (see Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements).

(2)

See Notes 2, 8, 10, 23, 24 and 29 to the consolidated financial statements.

(3)

Excluding payments made under the early retirement plan (see above in table).

(4)

See the Financial glossary appendix.

(5)

Excluding employee profit sharing paid (see above in table).




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From net cash provided by operating activities to organic cash flow

(in millions of euros)

Year ended December 31  

 

2008

2007

2006

2006

  

historical basis

excluding PagesJaunes Groupe (1)

historical basis

Net cash provided by operating activities

14,999

14,644

13,588

13,863

Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

(net of the change in amounts due to fixed asset suppliers)

(7,216)

(6,939)

(6,787)

(6,811)

• CAPEX of continuing operations (2)

(6,867)

(6,979)

(6,732)

(6,732)

• CAPEX of discontinued operations (1)

-

-

-

(24)

• Telecommunication licenses (2)

(273)

(85)

(283)

(283)

• Increase (decrease) in amounts due to fixed asset suppliers

(76)

125

228

228

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipmentand intangible assets

233

113

105

105

Organic cash flow

8,016

7,818

6,906

7,157

(1)

PagesJaunes Groupe was disposed of on October 11, 2006 (see Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements).

(2)

See Segment information in the consolidated financial statements.


The organic cash flow of the France Telecom group amounted to 8,016 million euros in 2008 (compared to 7,818 million euros in 2007), in line with the stated objective of generating more than 7.8 billion euros of organic cash flow in 2008. The 198 million euro increase in organic cash flow between 2007 and 2008 stemmed from i) the 355 million euro rise in net cash provided by operating activities, related to the increase in GOM, and ii) to a lesser extent from the 120 million euro increase in proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, iii) partly offset by the 277 million euro increase in the acquisitions and sales of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (net of the change in amounts due to fixed asset suppliers) between the two periods.

The share of organic cash flow attributable to minority shareholders amounted to 763 million euros in 2008 compared to 746 million euros in 2007.

Net cash provided by operating activities

Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to 14,999 million euros in 2008, up 355 million euros on 2007 (14,644 million euros).

Change in net cash provided by operating activities between 2007 and 2008

(in millions of euros)

Year ended December 31

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2007 (historical basis)

14,644

• Increase factors:

 

Increase in the GOM

283

Decrease in payments made under the early retirement plan

232

Decrease in interest paid and interest rates effects on derivatives, net

(net of dividends and interest income received)

149

• Decrease factors:

 

Decrease in the change in total working capital requirement (1)

(135)

• Increase in the change in operating working capital requirement (1)

552

• Decrease in the change in other items of the working capital requirement

(687)

Increase in restructuring costs paid (2)

(121)

Increase in income tax paid

(87)

• Other items

34

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2008

14,999

(1)

See the Financial glossary appendix.

(2)

Excluding payments made under the early retirement plan (see above in table).




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Change in net cash provided by operating activities between 2006 and 2007

(in millions of euros)

Year ended December 31

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2006 (historical basis)

13,863

• Increase factors:

 

Increase in the GOM of continuing operations

577

Increase in the change in total working capital requirement (1)

279

• Increase in the change in operating working capital requirement (1)

296

• Decrease in the change in other items of the working capital requirement

(17)

Decrease in interest paid and interest rates effects on derivatives, net

(net of dividends and interest income received)

273

• Decrease factors:

 

GOM of discontinued operations (an item specific to 2006) (2)

(361)

Increase in income tax paid

(185)

• Other items

198

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2007 (historical basis)

14,644

(1)

See the Financial glossary appendix.

(2)

GOM of PagesJaunes Groupe, disposed of on October 11, 2006 (see Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements).

Net cash used in investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities amounted to 8,035 million euros in 2008 compared to 6,881 million euros in 2007.

Acquisitions and sales of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

(in millions of euros)

Year ended December 31  

ACQUISITIONS AND SALES OF PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (NET OF THE CHANGE IN AMOUNTS DUE TO FIXED ASSET SUPPLIERS)

2008

2007

2006

  

historical basis

historical basis

Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

(7,140)

(7,064)

(7,039)

• CAPEX of continuing operations (1)

(6,867)

(6,979)

(6,732)

• CAPEX of discontinued operations (2)

-

-

(24)

• Telecommunication licenses (1)

(273)

(85)

(283)

Increase (decrease) in amounts due to fixed asset suppliers

(76)

125

228

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

233

113

105

Group Total

(6,983)

(6,826)

(6,706)

(1)

See Segment information in the consolidated financial statements.

(2)

Capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets of PagesJaunes Groupe, disposed of on October 11, 2006 (see Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements).




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Cash paid for investment securities

(in millions of euros)

Year ended December 31

CASH PAID FOR INVESTMENT SECURITIES

(NET OF CASH ACQUIRED) (1)

2008

2007

2006

  

historical basis

historical basis

Treasury share buyback by TP S.A. (2.4% in 2008 and 2.0% in 2007) (2)

(200)

(185)

-

5.2% treasury share buyback by Mobistar (2)

(175)

-

-

Acquisition of FT España / Amena (2.3% in 2008 and 1.7% in 2006)

(169)

-

(113)

Contribution to the establishment of Orange Uganda Limited

(company 53% owned by France Telecom) (2) (3)

(40)

-

-

Acquisition of 48.5% of Compagnie Européenne de Téléphonie (CET)

(company that owns Photo Station and Photo Service) (2) (4)

(32)

-

-

Acquisition of 100% of Cityvox (2)

(30)

-

-

Acquisition of the Silicomp Group (0.2% in 2008 and 96.1% in 2007)

(5)

(96)

-

Acquisition of 100% of T-Online Telecommunications Spain which became FT España ISP

(previously operating under the Ya.com brand) (5)

-

(319)

-

Acquisition of 51% of Telkom Kenya (6)

-

(270)

-

Acquisition of 33.5% of Orange Moldova (formerly Voxtel)

-

(103)

-

Acquisition of 90.0% of VOXmobile by Mobistar

-

(80)

-

Acquisition of 15.8% of Jordan Telecommunications Company (JTC)

-

-

(68)

Acquisition of 99.5% of Groupe Diwan

-

-

(39)

Other payments for investment securities

(110)

(64)

(35)

Group Total

(761)

(1,117)

(255)

(1)

See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.

(2)

See Section 9.1.1.4 Main events that took place in 2008.

(3)

The total contribution to the establishment of Orange Uganda Limited amounted to 95 million US dollars (71 million euros), of which 50 million US dollars (40 million euros) was paid in 2008 with the remaining balance to be paid in 2009 (see Notes 3, 12, 13 and 29 to the consolidated financial statements).

(4)

The total cost of the interest in Compagnie Européenne de Téléphonie (CET) amounted to 68 million euros, including 36 million euros in offsetting of receivables (see Notes 3, 14 and 31 to the consolidated financial statements).

(5)

See Notes 3, 12 and 13 to the consolidated financial statements.

(6)

See Notes 3, 11, 12, 13 and 15 to the consolidated financial statements.

Cash paid for investment securities net of cash acquired amounted to 761 million euros in 2008 compared to 1,117 million euros in 2007. The main investment securities acquired in 2008 are described in Section 9.1.1.4 Main events that took place in 2008 and in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.

Proceeds from sales of investment securities

(in millions of euros)

Year ended December 31  

PROCEEDS FROM SALES OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES

(NET OF CASH TRANSFERRED) (1)

2008  

2007

2006

  

historical basis

historical basis

Proceeds from sale of 100% of Orange’s mobile and Internet operations in the Netherlands (2)

-

1,306

-

Additional purchase consideration relating to the sale of Tower Participations (company owning TDF)

-

254

-

Proceeds from sale of 20% of Bluebirds Participations France

(company owning Eutelsat Communications)

-

110

-

Effect of the share restructuring at One GmbH (3)

-

82

-

Proceeds from sale of 54% of PagesJaunes Groupe (4)

-

-

2,697

Proceeds from sale of 100% of France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications (FTMSC)

-

-

46

Proceeds from sale of 20% of Ypso Holding (cable network activities)

-

-

44

Other proceeds from sales of investment securities

56

56

22

Group Total

56

1,808

2,809

(1)

See Notes 3 and 7 to the consolidated financial statements.

(2)

See Notes 3, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 29 to the consolidated financial statements.

(3)

See Notes 3, 7, 14 and 29 to the consolidated financial statements.

(4)

On October 11, 2006, France Telecom sold its entire 54% interest in PagesJaunes Groupe to Médiannuaire, a subsidiary of Kohlberg Kraus Roberts & Co Ltd (KKR), for 3.287 billion euros, net of disposal costs. In 2006, the proceeds from the disposal, which stood at 2.983 billion euros, were recorded under consolidated net income after tax of discontinued operations (see Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements). After acknowledgement of repayment current accounts and the cash transferred disposed of, the net proceeds of this disposal stand at 2.697 billion euros.

Proceeds from the sales of investment securities, net of cash transferred, amounted to 56 million euros in 2008 compared to 1,808 million euros in 2007. The main proceeds from the sales of investment securities in 2008 are set out in Section 9.1.1.4 Main events that took place in 2008 and in Notes 3 and 7 to the consolidated financial statements.

Changes in marketable securities and other long-term assets

Marketable securities and other long term assets increased by 347 million euros in 2008 (compared to an increase of 746 million euros in 2007). In 2008, this amount in particular included a 207 million euro escrow deposit. This additional deposit, on top of the initial deposit of 757 million euros made in 2007, concerned the dispute relating to France Telecom’s specific business tax regime between 1991 and 2002 (see Notes 29 and 30 to the consolidated financial statements). The placing into escrow of this additional deposit increased net financial debt at December 31, 2008, but had no impact on the Group's organic cash flow in 2008.



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Net cash used in financing activities

Net cash used in financing activities represented a total requirement of 6,057 million euros in 2008 compared to a requirement of 7,654 million euros in 2007.

(in millions of euros)

Year ended December 31

 

2008

2007

2006

  

historical basis

historical basis

Issuances (1)

5,486

3,946

1,513

Bonds issued by France Telecom S.A.

4,047

3,722

1,384

Other issuances

1,439

224

129

Redemptions and repayments (1)

(7,481)

(6,546)

(6,658)

Bond redemptions by France Telecom S.A.

(4,584)

(4,752)

(3,987)

Bonds redemptions by the TP Group

(684)

(475)

(500)

Repayment of syndicated credit lines by FT España

(280)

(400)

(250)

Redeeming of perpetual bonds redeemable for shares (TDIRAs) (2)

(629)

(383)

(645)

Redemption of Bonds convertible and / or exchangeable into new or existing

France Telecom shares (OCEANE) (1)

(501)

-

-

Other redemptions and repayments

(425)

(437)

(552)

Foreign exchange effect of net derivatives

(378)

(99)

(724)

Increase (decrease) in bank overdrafts and short-term borrowings (1)

968

(906)

(1,117)

Decrease (increase) in deposits and other debt-linked financial assets (1)

672

(330)

192

Treasury share buyback (3)

(35)

(214)

(10)

Changes in the capital of France Telecom S.A. (3)

11

140

54

Changes in the capital of subsidiaries (minority shareholders) (4)

(100)

50

(50)

Dividends paid (3)

(5,578)

(3,794)

(3,195)

Dividends paid by France Telecom S.A.

(4,949)

(3,117)

(2,602)

Dividends paid by the subsidiaries to minority shareholders

(629)

(677)

(593)

Net cash used in financing activities

(6,057)

(7,654)

(9,271)

(1)

See Note 21 to the consolidated financial statements.

(2)

Including (64) million euros in 2008 and (16) million euros in 2007 posted under the Equity portion of hybrid debts line item (see Note 21 to the consolidated financial statements).

(3)

See Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements.

(4)

Including Mobistar in 2008 (see Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements).

The management of the covenants is described in Note 27 to the consolidated financial statements.

5.B.2 Equity

At December 31, 2008, the French state held, directly and indirectly, via ERAP, a state-owned industrial and commercial entity, 26.7% of the capital of France Telecom S.A. compared to 27.3% at December 31, 2007 (see Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements).

Change in equity between 2007 and 2008

(in millions of euros)

Year ended December 31

Equity at December 31, 2007 (historical basis) (1)

34,523

Equity attributable to equity holders of France Telecom S.A.

30,053

Minority interests

4,470

• Change in equity attributable to equity holders of France Telecom S.A. (2) :

(2,453)

Net income for 2008

4,069

Distribution of dividends by France Telecom S.A.

(4,949)

Unrealized foreign exchange gains (losses)

(1,930)

Other movements

357

• Change in minority interests (2)

(872)

Equity at December 31, 2008

31,198

Equity attributable to equity holders of France Telecom S.A.

27,600

Minority interests

3,598

(1)

See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements regarding the impact on equity of the change in accounting method in respect of the customer loyalty program stemming from the application of IFRIC 13.

(2)

For more details, see Consolidated statement of changes in equity and Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements.




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Change in equity between 2006 and 2007

(in millions of euros)

Year ended December 31

Equity at December 31, 2006 (historical basis) (1)

31,836

Equity attributable to equity holders of France Telecom S.A. (1)

26,992

Minority interests

4,844

• Change in equity attributable to equity holders of France Telecom S.A. (2) :

3,061

Net income for 2007

6,300

Distribution of dividends by France Telecom S.A.

(3,117)

Unrealized foreign exchange gains (losses)

(467)

Other movements

345

• Change in minority interests (2)

(374)

Equity at December 31, 2007 (historical basis) (1)

34,523

Equity attributable to equity holders of France Telecom S.A. (1)

30,053

Minority interests

4,470

(1)

After change in accounting policy upon application of IFRIC 13. See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements regarding the impact on equity of the change in accounting method in respect of the customer loyalty program stemming from the application of IFRIC 13.

(2)

For more details, see Consolidated statement of changes in equity and Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements.

5.B.3 Financial debt and financial resources

Net financial debt

The France Telecom group's net financial debt (see the Financial glossary appendix and Note 21 to the consolidated financial statements) amounted to 35,859 million euros at December 31, 2008 compared to 37,980 million euros at December 31, 2007. Compared to December 31, 2007, net financial debt was thus down by 2,121 million euros at December 31, 2008.

For further information on the risks relating to the France Telecom group's financial debt, see Item 3D Risk factors.

Net financial debt indicators

(in millions of euros)

Year ended December 31

 

2008

2007

2006

  

historical basis

historical basis

Net financial debt

35,859

37,980

42,017

Weighted average cost of net financial debt

6.66%

6.46%

5.91%

Average maturity of net financial debt (1)

7.5 years

7.1 years

6.7 years

Ratio of Net financial debt/Equity

1.15 (2)

1.10 (2)

1.33

Ratio of Net financial debt/GOM

1.85

1.99

2.27

(1)

Excluding perpetual bonds redeemable for shares (TDIRAs).

(2)

See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements regarding the impact on equity of the change in accounting method in respect of the customer loyalty programs stemming from the application of IFRIC 13.


The weighted average cost of net financial debt is calculated as the ratio of interest expenses, net, less exceptional and non-recurring items, to the average amount outstanding, calculated based on net financial debt adjusted for the non-interest bearing amounts, such as accrued interest payable and liabilities in respect of commitments to buy out minority interests.

Change in net financial debt between 2007 and 2008

(in millions of euros)

Year ended December 31

Net financial debt at December 31, 2007 (historical basis)

37,980

• Decrease factors:

 

Organic cash flow (1)

(8,016)

Proceeds from sales of investment securities (net of cash transferred) (1)

(56)

• Increase factors:

 

Dividends paid by France Telecom S.A. (2)

4,949

Cash paid for investment securities (net of cash acquired) (1)

761

Dividends paid by the subsidiaries to minority shareholders

629

Change in the fair value of the price guarantee given to the minority shareholders of FT España / Amena (3)

294

Escrow deposit (4)

207

• Other items (5)

(889)

Net financial debt at December 31, 2008

35,859

(1)

See Section 1. Liquidity and cash flows.

(2)

Payment of a dividend of 1.30 euros per share in respect of the 2007 financial year, in the amount of 3,386 million euros, and the payment of an interim dividend of 0.60 euro cents per share in respect of the 2008 financial year, in the amount of 1,563 million euros (see Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements).

(3)

See Notes 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29 to the consolidated financial statements.

(4)

Dispute relating to France Telecom’s specific business tax regime between 1991 and 2002 (see Notes 29 and 30 to the consolidated financial statements). The placing into escrow of this deposit had no impact on the Group's organic cash flow in 2008.

(5)

Primarily the foreign exchange effect of the decrease in the value of the pound sterling against the euro.




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Change in net financial debt between 2006 and 2007

(in millions of euros)

Year ended December 31

Net financial debt at December 31, 2006 (historical basis)

 

• Decrease factors:

42,017

Organic cash flow (1)

(7,818)

Proceeds from sales of investment securities (net of cash transferred) (1)

(1,808)

  

• Increase factors:

3,117

Dividends paid by France Telecom S.A. (1.20 euro per share)

 

Cash paid for investment securities (net of cash acquired) (1)

1,117

Escrow deposit (2)

757

Dividends paid by the subsidiaries to minority shareholders

677

• Other items

(79)

Net financial debt at December 31, 2007 (historical basis)

37,980

(1)

See Section 1. Liquidity and cash flows.

(2)

Dispute relating to France Telecom’s specific business tax regime between 1991 and 2002 (see Notes 29 and 30 to the consolidated financial statements). The placing into escrow of this deposit had no impact on the Group's organic cash flow in 2007.

Financial resources

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss, financial liabilities and net financial debt as well as derivative instruments are described in Notes 18, 21 and 22 to the consolidated financial statements.

In 2008, France Telecom S.A.'s policy was to take advantage of each window in the market to refinance its bond redemptions, with:

In March and April 2008, bond issues of 975 million euros through additional tranches under existing bond series and private placements, with in particular i) an additional 400 million euro tranche series of bonds maturing in 2017 and bearing interest at 4.75%, ii) an additional 225 million euro tranche series of bonds maturing in 2012 and bearing interest at 4.375%, and iii) an additional 150 million euro tranche series of bonds  maturing in 2015 and bearing interest at 3.625%;

In May 2008, the issue of a 2 billion euro series of bonds, split into two tranches: a 1,250 million euro tranche series of bonds maturing in 2018 and bearing interest at 5.625% and a 750 million euro tranche series of bonds maturing in 2014 and bearing interest at 5.25%.

In September 2008, the issue of a 350 million euro inflation-linked series of bond maturing in 2018; and

In November 2008, the issue of i) an additional 300 million euro tranche underthe 10-year series of bonds issued in May 2008, ii) an additional 115 million euro tranche under the inflation-linked series of bonds issued in September 2008, and iii) a 500 million pound sterling series of bonds (around 590 million euros at issue) maturing in 2028 and bearing interest at 8.125%.


In total, France Telecom S.A. issued 4.3 billion euros in bonds in 2008 with a weighted average maturity at issue of approximately 10 years and a weighted average annual coupon of 5.9%. The issuances made during the second half of 2008 were for the most part swapped for variable rates given the likelihood of interest rate reductions. The fixed rate component of the Group's net financial debt remained high at December 31, 2008 at 84.8% (compared to 85.5% at December 31, 2007).

The France Telecom group's policy is to be in a position to meet its upcoming repayment obligations without additional financing, out of available cash and existing credit lines, for at least the next twelve months.

Exposure to market risks and financial instruments

In the course of its industrial and commercial activities, France Telecom is exposed to market risks related to the cost of its debt and the value of certain assets denominated in foreign currencies (investment securities of foreign companies). On the basis of an analysis of its general risk exposure, primarily relating to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign exchange rates, France Telecom uses various financial instruments, within limits set by Management in terms of potential impact on net income for the year, with the objective of optimizing its financing costs.

The management of the interest rate risk, currency risk, liquidity risk, covenants, credit risk and counterparty risk as well as the management of the stock market risk are described in Note 27 to the consolidated financial statements.

Change in France Telecom’s debt ratings

At December 31, 2008, like at December 31, 2007, France Telecom’s debt ratings were as follows:

 

Standard & Poor’s

Moody’s

Fitch IBCA

Long-term debt

A-

A3

A-

Outlook

Stable

Stable

Stable

Short-term debt

A2

P2

F1


Only the bonds issued in March 2001 (3.5 billion US dollars and bearing interest at 7.75% maturing in 2011, 600 million pounds sterling and bearing interest at 7.5% maturing in 2011 and 2.5 billion US dollars and bearing interest at 8.5% maturing in 2031), comprising 4.8 billion euros outstanding at December 31, 2008, contain step up clauses (see the Financial glossary appendix and Note 21 to the consolidated financial statements). Under the terms of this clause, in the event of a downgrading of the unsecured long-term debt of France Telecom S.A. under A3 by Moody's or A- by S&P, the interest rate coupon will increase by 0.25% per downgrade level and per rating agency. In the event of an upgrade, the mechanism works in the opposite way, provided that the interest rate cannot decrease below the initial borrowing rate. Since no adjustment was made to France Telecom's rating in 2008, no step-up clause wa s activated.

For further information on financial market risks, see Item 3D Risk factors.



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5.C  RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES, ETC.

The information set forth under section 11 Innovation, research and development, patents and licenses on pages 193 et seq. of the 2008 Registration Document is incorporated herein by reference.

5.D  TREND INFORMATION

The information set forth under:

Section 9.1 Analysis of the Group's financial position and earnings on pages 138 et seq.,

Section 6.1.1 Developments in the telecommunications services market, on pages 26 et seq.,

Section 6.1.2 France Telecom’s strategy, on pages 27 et seq.,

Section 4 Risk factors, on pages 11 et seq.

of the 2008 Registration Document is incorporated herein by reference.

5.E  OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

See Item 18 Financial Statements – Note 29 to the consolidated financial statements.

5.F  TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

See Item 18 Financial Statements – Note 29 to the consolidated financial statements.

5.G  FINANCIAL MEASURES NOT DEFINED BY IFRS

In addition to the financial measures published in accordance with IFRS, France Telecom also publishes in this document financial measures that are not defined by IFRS. As described below, these figures are provided as additional information and should not be substituted for or confused with the financial measures that are defined by IFRS.

Gross operating margin (GOM)

Gross operating margin, referred to hereinafter as “GOM”, corresponds to operating income before employee profit-sharing, share-based compensation, depreciation and amortization, impairment of goodwill and non-current assets, gains (losses) on disposal of assets, restructuring costs and share of profits (losses) of associates. GOM does not include:

employee profit-sharing and share-based compensation because they stem either from legal obligations, from the sale by the French state of its shares or from shareholder resolutions, and because they are excluded from the Group's internal analysis and from the analysis by business segment;

depreciation and amortization because this expense is the result of long-term investments over which management has no short-term influence; and

impairment losses, restructuring costs and gains (losses) on disposal of assets, since these items cannot by their nature be foreseen either in amount or in frequency.

GOM is presented in Segment information in the consolidated financial statements and in Note 2 Accounting Policies of the consolidated financial statements’ appendix. The reconciliation between GOM and operating income as presented in the consolidated income statement is set out below.

(in millions of euros)  

 

Year ended December 31  

  

2008  

2007  

2006

 

 

 

historical basis

historical basis

Revenues

 

53,488

52,959

51,702

External purchases

 

(23,652)

(23,156)

(22,809)

Other operating income

 

380

440

473

Other operating expenses

 

(2,258)

(2,360)

(2,235)

Labor expenses:

    

- Wages and employee benefit expenses

 

(8,559)

(8,767)

(8,592)

Gross operating margin (GOM)

 

19,399

19,116

18,539

- Employee profit-sharing

 

(319)

(359)

(346)

- Share-based compensation

 

(82)

(279)

(30)

Depreciation and amortization

 

(7,776)

(8,111)

(7,824)

Impairment of goodwill

 

(271)

(26)

(2,800)

Impairment of non-current assets

 

(9)

(107)

(105)

Gains (losses) on disposal of assets

 

11

769

97

Restructuring costs

 

(470)

(208)

(567)

Share of profits (losses) of associates

 

(211)

4

24

Operating income

 

10,272

10,799

6,988




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GOM is one of the indicators used by France Telecom to i) manage and assess the performance of its business segments, ii) implement its investment and resource allocation strategy, and iii) measure the performance of the Group Executive Directors. France Telecom group’s Management believes that the presentation of GOM is meaningful for investors because it provides an analysis of operating results and business segment profitability using the same measure as the one employed by Management.

GOM also allows France Telecom to compare its results with those of other companies in the telecommunications sector, excluding the structure of their assets. GOM, or similar management indicators used by France Telecom's competitors, are often published and are widely used by analysts, investors and other persons involved in the telecommunications industry.

GOM is not a financial measure defined by IFRS as a measurement of financial performance and may not be comparable to similarly titled indicators used by other companies. GOM is provided as additional information and should not be considered as a substitute for operating income or net cash provided by operating activities.

Operating income before depreciation and amortization and impairment losses (EBITDA)

Operating income before depreciation and amortization and impairment losses, referred to hereinafter as "EBITDA" corresponds to operating income before depreciation and amortization and before impairment of goodwill and non-current assets.

EBITDA also enables France Telecom to compare its results to those of other companies in the telecommunications sector. EBITDA, or similar management indicators used by France Telecom’s competitors, are indicators that are often published and that are widely used by analysts, investors, and other persons involved in the telecommunications industry.

The reconciliation between EBITDA and operating income as presented in the consolidated statement of income is set out below.

(in millions of euros)

 

Year ended December 31

  

2008

2007

2006

 

 

 

historical basis

historical basis

Revenues

 

53,488

52,959

51,702

External purchases

 

(23,652)

(23,156)

(22,809)

Other operating income

 

380

440

473

Other operating expenses

 

(2,258)

(2,360)

(2,235)

Labor expenses:

    

- Wages and employee benefit expenses

 

(8,559)

(8,767)

(8,592)

- Employee profit-sharing

 

(319)

(359)

(346)

- Share-based compensation

 

(82)

(279)

(30)

Gains (losses) on disposal of assets

 

11

769

97

Restructuring costs

 

(470)

(208)

(567)

Share of profits (losses) of associates

 

(211)

4

24

Operating income before depreciation and amortization and impairment losses (EBITDA)

 

18,328

19,043

17,717

Depreciation and amortization

 

(7,776)

(8,111)

(7,824)

Impairment of goodwill

 

(271)

(26)

(2,800)

Impairment of non-current assets

 

(9)

(107)

(105)

Operating income

 

10,272

10,799

6,988

EBITDA is not a financial measure defined by IFRS as a measurement of financial performance and may not be comparable to similarly titled indicators used by other companies. EBITDA is provided as additional information and should not be considered as a substitute for operating income.

Capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets excluding licenses (CAPEX)

Capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets excluding telecommunication licenses and excluding capital expenditures financed via finance leases, referred to hereinafter as "capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets excluding licenses" or "CAPEX" relates to the purchases of property, plant and equipment intangible assets excluding telecommunication licenses as presented in Segment information in the consolidated financial statements. The following calculation shows the transition from CAPEX to the purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets.

(in millions of euros)  

Year ended December 31  

 

2008  

2007  

2006  

 

historical basis  

historical basis  

    

Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets excluding telecommunication licenses (CAPEX) of continuing operations (1)

(6,867)

(6,979)

(6,732)

Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets excluding telecommunication licenses (CAPEX) of discontinued operations (2)

 

-

(24)

Telecommunication licenses

(273)

(85)

(283)

Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

(7,140)

(7,064)

(7,039)

(1)  See Segment information in the consolidated financial statements.

(2)  Capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets of PagesJaunes Groupe, disposed of on October 11, 2006 (see Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements).


France Telecom group’s Management uses CAPEX to measure the operational efficiency of capital expenditures use by each business segment. CAPEX exclude capital expenditures financed via finance leases (which are not material) and capital expenditures on telecommunication licenses, since the acquisition of these licenses capital expenditures. CAPEX allows investors to track annual capital expenditures relating to France Telecom's business and to measure their return over the short-term. CAPEX does not constitute a financial measure defined by IFRS and is not a substitute for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. CAPEX, as used by France Telecom, is not comparable with similarly titled indicators of other companies.



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Organic cash flow

Organic cash flow includes net cash provided by operating activities, less net cash used in investing activities excluding the acquisition of investment securities, proceeds from sales of investment securities and other changes in marketable securities and other assets.

Organic cash flow also corresponds to net cash provided by operating activities less acquisitions of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (net of the change in amounts due to fixed asset suppliers) plus the proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets.

(in millions of euros)  

Year ended December 31  

 

2008

2007

2006

 

 

historical basis

historical basis

Net cash provided by operating activities

14,999

14,644

13,863

Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

(7,140)

(7,064)

(7,039)

Increase (decrease) in amounts due to fixed asset suppliers

(76)

125

228

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

233

113

105

Organic cash flow

8,016

7,818

7,157


France Telecom group’s Management feels that organic cash flow is a meaningful indicator for investors as it is the indicator that it uses to measure the capacity of France Telecom to generate cash from its operating activities (net cash provided by operating activities, less acquisitions of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets) excluding acquisitions of investment securities, proceeds from sales of investment securities and other changes in marketable securities and other assets. Organic cash flow is not a financial measure defined by IFRS and is not a substitute for net cash provided by operating activities or net cash used in investing activities. Organic cash flow, as used by France Telecom, is not comparable with similarly titled indicators of other companies.

ITEM 6   Directors, senior management and employees

6.A  DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT

The information set forth under:

Section 14.1.1 Composition of the Board of directors on pages 200 et seq.,

Section 14.2.3 Group Management Committee and operational organization of the Group , on pages 212 et seq.

of the 2008 Registration Document is incorporated herein by reference.

6.B  COMPENSATION

The information set forth under section 15 Compensation and benefits paid to directors, officers and senior management on pages 223 et seq. of the 2008 Registration Document is incorporated herein by reference.

6.C  BOARD PRACTICES

The information set forth under:

Section 14.1.1.1 Rules as to the composition of the Board, on pages 200 et seq.,

Section 14.1.2 Organization of the Board of Directors’ work, on pages 208 et seq.,

Section 14.1.3.1 Adoption of a code of corporate governance, on page211,

Section 14.1.3.3 Conflicts of interests, on page 211,

Section 14.2.1 CEO and the limits on his authority, on page 212,

Section 15.1.2 Rules for determining the compensation of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, on pages 224 et seq.,

Section 15.3 Group Management Committee compensation, on page 229.

of the 2008 Registration Document is incorporated herein by reference.

6.D  EMPLOYEES

The information set forth under sections 17.1 Workforce trends, on pages 234 et seq., and 17.2 Organization of working hours, on pages 237 et seq. of the 2008 Registration Document is incorporated herein by reference.



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6.E  SHARE OWNERSHIP

The information set forth under:

Section 14.1.1.3 Information about directors and corporate officers, on pages 202] et seq.,

Section 14.2.3.2 Employee shareholdings, on page213,

Section 15.2.3 Other compensation paid to salaried directors, on page 228,

Section 15.3 Group Management Committee compensation, on page 229,

Section 17.3 Compensation, on pages 239 et seq.

of the 2008 Registration Document is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 7   Major shareholders and related party transactions

7.A  MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS

The information set forth under section 18 Major shareholders, on pages 245 et seq. of the 2008 Registration Document is incorporated herein by reference.

Securities held and number of record holders in the United States

As of March 30, 2009, there were 41,612,994 ADSs of France Telecom outstanding and 104 holders of record were registered with The Bank of New York Mellon, depositary for the ADS program.

As of the same date, 19 United States residents were registered as owners of France Telecom’s shares with BNP Paribas Securities Services, provider of securities services for France Telecom S.A.

Based on a survey conducted by Thomson Financial and on information provided by The Bank of New York Mellon, France Telecom estimates that U.S. institutional investors held approximately 21% of its share capital as of December 31, 2008.

7.B  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

See Item 18 Financial Statements – Note 31 to the consolidated financial statements.

The information set forth under Section 19 Related party transactions, on page 247 of the 2008 Registration Document is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 8   Financial information

8.A  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

See Item 18 Financial Statements.

The information set forth under sections 20.3 Dividend distribution policy, on page 399 and 20.4 Legal and arbitration procedures, on pages 399 et seq. of the 2008 Registration Document is incorporated herein by reference.

In March 2009, Vivendi and Iliad brought a joint complaint before the European Commission for abuse of dominant position with respect to France Telecom’s practices on the local loop and broadband Internet access wholesale markets since 2006. Vivendi and Iliad allege that France Telecom is engaged in price squeezing on the downstream markets for telephone services access and broadband access to multi-service offers. The Commission has not yet decided what action it will take as a result of this complaint. France Telecom will present its observations to the Commission no later than May 12, 2009.

Following the office inspection carried out in September 2008, the European Commission informed TP S.A. in April 2009 that it is initiating proceedings against TP S.A. for breach of competition law in the broadband market.

8.B  SIGNIFICANT CHANGES

See Item 18 Financial Statements – Note 32 to the consolidated financial statements. The information set forth under section 20.5 Significant change in financial or commercial situation, on page 400 of the 2008 Registration Document is incorporated herein by reference.

In March 2009, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) issued an award in the arbitration procedure initiated by Orascom Telecom against France Telecom, which rejected Orascom Telecom’s claims and condemned it to transfer its entire stake in MobiNil to France Telecom. The 20% equity interest that Orascom Telecom holds directly in ECMS, as well as the free float of ECMS, do not fall within the scope of the Arbitration Court award. Following the ICC award, France Telecom filed a proposal with the Egyptian Capital Market Authority (CMA) with a view to voluntarily offering to buy ECMS shares from ECMS’ minority shareholders in a public takeover bid based on a price at the high range of market standards, i.e., a 33.1% premium on the closing price on April 5, 2009. The CMA rejected France Telecom’s public takeover proposal for the ECMS shares. Following the execution of the award, France Telecom is wil ling to re-enter discussions with the Egyptian market authorities in order to extend an offer to minority and individual shareholders of ECMS that is fair. The Trading Committee of the Egyptian Stock Market has informed France Telecom of its decision to suspend its review of the application for clearance of the transfer of the Mobinil shares in pursuance of the ICC award pending approval by the CMA of a public takeover bid for the ECMS shares.


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ITEM 9   The offer and listing

The principal trading market for the shares is Euronext Paris S.A., where the shares have been traded since October 20, 1997. Prior to that date, there was no public trading market for the shares. The shares are included in the “CAC 40 Index” (a widely followed index of 40 major stocks). The shares in the form of American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) are also listed on the New York Stock Exchange. BNP Paribas holds the share registry for France Telecom and The Bank of New York Mellon acts as depositary for the ADSs.

For information regarding risks related to France Telecom’s shares and ADSs, see Item 3.D Risk Factors: “France Telecom’s share price may fluctuate due to a wide range of factors”. “The price of France Telecom’s ADSs and the U.S. dollar value of any dividends will be affected by fluctuations in the U.S. dollar / euro exchange rate”. “Holders of ADSs may face disadvantages compared to holders of France Telecom’s shares when attempting to exercise voting rights” and “Preemptive rights may be unavailable to holders of France Telecom’s ADSs”.

Trading history of France Telecom’s securities listed on the New York Stock Exchange

France Telecom S.A. shares are traded on the Eurolist market (formerly the Premier marché) of Euronext Paris (ISIN code: FR 0000133308) and in the form of American Depositary Shares (ADSs) on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FTE” (Code 35177Q10).


The following table shows the monthly historical share price performance (unadjusted for payment of dividends) for the shares of France Telecom S.A. on the Eurolist market of Euronext Paris and the ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange for the most recent six months.

 

Euronext Paris S.A.

New York Stock Exchange

(Price €)

(Price US$)

 

High

Low

High

Low

October 2008

20.99

16.93

28.99

22.57

November 2008

20.34

18.75

26.51

23.00

December 2008

20.45

19.36

28.56

24.07

January 2009

20.75

17.56

28.75

22.47

February 2009

18.67

17.05

24.3

21.76

March 2009

17.91

16.86

24.13

21.00

Source: Bloomberg


The table below shows the annual historical shareprice performance for France Telecom S.A.’s shares on the Eurolist market of Euronext Paris and ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange from 2004 to 2007.  

 

Euronext Paris S.A.

New York Stock Exchange

(Price €)

(Price US$)

 

High

Low

High

Low

2004

24.88

18.63

33.48

22.25

2005

25.83

20.44

32.94

24.29

2006

21.87

15.73

27.75

21.07

2007

26.78

18.94

39.51

25.36

2008

25.87

16.93

38.42

22.57

Source: Bloomberg


The table below shows the quarterly historical shareprice performance for France Telecom S.A.’s shares on the Eurolist market of Euronext Paris and ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange in 2007, 2008 and for the first quarter of 2009.

 

Euronext Paris S.A.

New York Stock Exchange

(Price €)

(Price US$)

 

High

Low

High

Low

First Quarter 2007

22.29

18.94

28.89

25.36

Second Quarter 2007

23.42

20.14

31.50

26.96

Third Quarter 2007

23.49

19.40

33.44

26.50

Fourth Quarter 2007

26.78

22.75

39.51

30.09

First Quarter 2008

25.87

20.25

38.42

31.81

Second Quarter 2008

22.48

17.45

35.26

27.36

Third Quarter 2008

20.52

19.08

32.02

26.99

Fourth Quarter 2008

20.99

16.93

28.99

23.00

First Quarter 2009

20.75

16.86

28.75

21.00

Source: Bloomberg



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 43



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ITEM 10   Additional information

10.A  SHARE CAPITAL

Not applicable.

10.B  MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION AND BYLAWS

The information set forth under:

Section 14.1.1.5 Restrictions regarding the sale of shares by the directors, on page 208,

Section 14.1.2.1 Functional organization of the Board, as to the subsection entitled Chairman of the Board, on page 208,

Section 21.2 Articles of association and bylaws, on pages 404 et seq.,

Section 21.3 Factors which could have an impact in the event of a tender offer, on page 407,

of the 2008 Registration Document is incorporated herein by reference.

Ownership of shares by non-French persons

Under the French Commercial Code, there is no limitation on the right of non-residents or non-French shareholders to own or, where applicable, to vote securities of a French company.

Under the French Monetary and Financial Code, a person who is not a resident of the European Union (“EU”) is not required to obtain a prior authorization before acquiring a controlling interest in a French company with the exception of investments in certain sensitive economic areas, such as defense and public health. However, both EU and non-EU residents must file an administrative notice (déclaration administrative) with French authorities in connection with the acquisition of 33 1/3 % or more of the capital or voting rights of a French company. Violations of this administrative notice requirement are sanctioned by a fine of 750 euros. This amount may be multiplied by five if the violation is made by a legal entity.

10.C  MATERIAL CONTRACTS

The information set forth under section 22 Significant contracts, on page 409 of the 2008 Registration Document is incorporated herein by reference.

10.D  EXCHANGE CONTROLS

Under current French exchange control regulations, there are no limitations on the amount of payments that may be remitted by France Telecom to non-residents of France. Laws and regulations concerning foreign exchange controls do require, however, that all payments or transfers of funds made by a French resident to a non-resident, such as dividends payments, be handled by an authorized intermediary. In France, all registered banks and substantially all credit establishments are accredited intermediaries.

Neither the French Commercial Code nor France Telecom’s bylaws presently imposes any restrictions on the ability of non-French holders to hold or vote the shares.

10.E  TAXATION

The discussions set forth in this section are based on French tax law and U.S. federal income tax law, including applicable treaties and conventions, as in effect on the date of this annual report. These Tax laws, and related interpretations, are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. This section is further based in part on representations of the depositary and assumes that each obligation in the deposit agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms.

10.E.1 French Taxation

The following is a general summary of the material French tax consequences of owning and disposing of the shares of France Telecom. This summary may only be relevant to you if you are not a resident of France and you do not hold your shares in connection with a permanent establishment or a fixed base in France through which you carry on a business or perform personal services.

This discussion is intended only as a descriptive summary. It does not address all aspects of French tax laws that may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances.

If you are considering buying shares of France Telecom, you should consult your own tax advisor about the potential tax effects of owning or disposing of shares in your particular situation.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 44



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Taxation on sale or disposal of shares

Generally, you will not be subject to any French income tax or capital gains tax when you sell or dispose of shares of France Telecom if both of the following apply to you:

you are not a French resident for French tax purposes, and

you have held not more than 25% of France Telecom dividend rights, known as droits aux bénéfices sociaux, at any time during the preceding five years, either directly or indirectly, and, as relates to individuals, alone or with relatives.

If a double tax treaty between France and your country contains more favorable provisions, you may not be subject to any French income tax or capital gains tax when you sell or dispose of any shares of France Telecom, even if one or both of the above statements does not apply to you.

If you are a resident of the United States who is eligible for the benefits of the income tax treaty between the United States of America and France (the “U.S. France Treaty”), you will not be subject to French tax on any capital gain if you sell or exchange your shares or ADSs unless you have a permanent establishment or fixed base in France and the shares or ADSs sold or exchanged were part of the business property of that permanent establishment or fixed base.

Special rules apply to individuals who are residents of more than one country.

Subject to specific conditions, foreign states, international organizations and a number of foreign public bodies are not considered French residents for these purposes.

If you transfer listed shares using a written agreement, that agreement must generally be registered. In principle, and unless agreed otherwise, the purchaser will be required to pay a registration duty of 3% of either the purchase price or the market value of the shares transferred, whichever is higher. The maximum duty is 5,000 euros per transfer. However, in some circumstances, if the agreement is executed outside France, you will not be required to pay this duty.

Taxation of dividends

Under French domestic law, French companies must generally deduct a 25% French withholding tax from dividends (including distributions from share capital premium, insofar as the company has distributable reserves) paid to non-residents. Under most tax treaties between France and other countries, the rate of this withholding tax may be reduced in specific circumstances. Generally, a holder who is a non-French resident is subsequently entitled to a tax credit in his or her country of residence for the amount of tax actually withheld at the appropriate treaty rate.

Under some treaties, a shareholder who fulfills specific conditions may generally apply to the French tax authorities for a lower rate of withholding tax, generally 15%. Under some tax treaties, the withholding tax is eliminated altogether.

If the arrangements provided for by any of such treaties apply to a shareholder, France Telecom will withhold tax from the dividend at the lower rate, provided that the shareholder complies, before the date of payment of the dividend, with the applicable filing formalities. Otherwise, France Telecom must withhold tax at the full rate of 25%, and the shareholder may subsequently claim the refund of excess tax paid.

Also, under the treaties that provided for the transfer of the avoir fiscal to non-resident individual shareholders, a tax credit attached to the dividends paid by French companies (of 50% of the amount of the dividend capped at 115 euros for single individuals and 230 euros for couples taxed jointly) may be transferred to non-resident individual shareholders under specific conditions.

If you are a resident of the United States who is eligible for the benefits of the U.S. France Treaty, French dividend withholding tax is reduced to 15% if your ownership of the shares or ADSs is not effectively connected with a permanent establishment or a fixed base that you have in France and certain other requirements are satisfied. In particular, you will have to comply with the formalities set out under section 10.5.3 “Procedure for Reduced Withholding Rate”. If you fail to comply with such formalities before the date of payment of the dividend, France Telecom shall deduct French withholding tax at the rate of 25%. In that case, you may claim a refund from the French tax authorities of the excess withholding tax.  

Also, if as a U.S. tax resident individual shareholder you would have been entitled to a refund of the avoir fiscal pursuant to the provisions of the U.S. France Treaty, you will be entitled to receive a payment equal to the amount of the French tax credit on dividend (which is equal to 50% of the amount of the dividend capped at 115 euros for single individuals and 230 euros for couples taxed jointly) less any withholding tax to be levied at the rate of 15% under the U.S. France Treaty. The French tax authorities have not determined yet the actual procedures under which the tax credit will be refunded in practice to you if you are eligible for the refund.

Certain tax exempt U.S. entities (such as tax-exempt U.S. pension funds, which include the exempt pension funds established and managed in order to pay retirement benefits subject to the provisions of Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (qualified retirement plans), Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code (tax deferred annuity contracts) or Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code (deferred compensation plans), and various other tax-exempt entities, including certain state-owned institutions, not-for-profit organizations and individuals with respect to dividends which they beneficially own and which are derived from an investment retirement account) may be eligible for the reduced withholding tax rate of 15% on dividends. Specific rules apply to them as further described below in Section 10.5.3 “Procedure for Reduced Withholding Rate”.  

Estate and Gift Tax

France imposes estate and gift tax where an individual or entity acquires shares of a French company from a non-resident of France by way of inheritance or gift. France has entered into estate and gift tax treaties with a number of countries. Under these treaties, the transfer by residents of those countries of shares of a French company by way of inheritance or gift may be exempt from French inheritance or gift tax or give rise to a tax credit in such countries, assuming specific conditions are met.  

Under the “Convention Between the United States of America and the French Republic for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Estates, Inheritance and Gifts of November 24, 1978”, French estate and gift tax will not apply to you if you are a resident of the United States and if you transfer your shares or ADSs by gift, or they are transferred by reason of your death, unless you are domiciled in France at the time of making the gift of the shares or ADSs or at the time of your death, or you used the shares or ADSs in conducting a business through a permanent establishment or fixed base in France, or you held the shares or ADSs for that use.  

You should consult your own tax advisor about whether French estate and gift tax will apply and whether an exemption or tax credit can be claimed.  

Wealth Tax

You will not be subject to French wealth tax, known as impôt de solidarité sur la fortune, on your shares of France Telecom if both of the following apply to you:  

you are not a French resident for the purpose of French taxation, and  

you own less than 10% of France Telecom capital stock, either directly or indirectly, provided your shares do not enable you to exercise influence on France Telecom.  

If a double tax treaty between France and your country contains more favorable provisions, you may not be subject to French wealth tax even if one or both of the above statements applies to you.

The French wealth tax generally does not apply to shares or ADSs if you are a resident of the United States for purposes of the U.S. France Treaty.


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10.E.2 U.S. Taxation of U.S. Holders

The following discussion is a general summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations relevant to the ownership and disposition of France Telecom shares and ADSs. The discussion is not a complete description of all tax considerations that may be relevant to you, and it does not consider your particular circumstances. It applies to you only if you are a U.S. Holder, you hold the shares or ADSs as capital assets, you use the U.S. dollar as your functional currency and you are eligible for the benefits of the U.S. France Treaty. It does not address the tax treatment of investors subject to special rules, such as banks, tax-exempt entities, insurance companies, dealers, traders in securities that elect to mark to market, U.S. expatriates or persons who directly, indirectly or constructively own 10% or more of the shares or ADSs, have a permanent establishment in France or hold shares or ADSs as part of a stra ddle, hedging, conversion or other integrated transaction.

You cannot rely on the statements herein to avoid U.S. tax penalties. You should seek advice from an independent tax advisor about the tax consequences under your own particular circumstances of investing in the shares or ADSs under the laws of France, the United States and its constituent jurisdictions, and any other jurisdictions where you may be subject to tax.

U.S. Partnerships

A U.S. partnership generally can claim benefits under the U.S. France Treaty only to the extent its income is taxable in the United States as the income of a resident, either in the hands of such partnership or in the hands of its partners. The French tax authorities have however conceded that the benefits of the U.S. France Treaty may still be claimed if one or several members of the U.S. partnership are themselves U.S. partnerships (and up to six tiers of interposed partnerships) to the extent of the income taxable in the United States as the income of a resident in the hands of the ultimate partner or partners.  

Specific rules apply to U.S. partnerships and their partners. Partnerships and their partners should consult their tax advisors concerning the French tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the shares or ADSs.

As used here, a “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of the shares or ADSs that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes (i) an individual citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation or other business entity taxed as a corporation that is created or organized under the laws of the United States or its political subdivisions, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax without regard to its source or (iv) a trust subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and the control of one or more U.S. persons or that has elected to be treated as a domestic trust.  

The U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in a partnership that holds shares or ADSs will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships should consult their tax advisors concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the shares or ADSs.  

U.S. Holders of ADSs generally will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as owners of the shares underlying the ADSs.  

France Telecom believes, and this discussion assumes, that France Telecom is not and will not become a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Dividends

Distributions on France Telecom shares and ADSs, including French tax withheld and the gross amount of any payment on account of a French tax credit, will be includable in income as dividends from foreign sources when actually or constructively received. The dividends will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction generally allowed to U.S. corporations. Under existing law, the dividends received by noncorporate U.S. Holders, however, will be taxed, as qualified dividends, at the same preferential rate allowed for long-term capital gains, because the shares and ADSs are readily tradable on the New York Stock Exchange.

The U.S. dollar amount of a dividend received on the shares or ADSs will be based on the exchange rate for the currency received (if the dividend is paid in a currency other than U.S. dollars) on the date you recognize the dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes, whether or not you convert the payment into U.S. dollars. You will have a basis in the currency received equal to its U.S. dollar value when you recognize the dividend. Any gain or loss on a subsequent conversion or other disposition of the currency generally will be ordinary income or loss from U.S. sources.

Subject to generally applicable limitations, you may claim a deduction or a foreign tax credit for tax withheld at the lowest withholding rate to which you are entitled. In computing foreign tax credit limitations, noncorporate U.S. Holders eligible for the preferential tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income may take into account only the portion of the dividend effectively taxed at the highest applicable marginal rate. You should consult your own tax adviser about your eligibility for benefits under the U.S. France Treaty including a reduced rate of French withholding tax and for applicable limitations on claiming a deduction or foreign tax credit for any French tax withheld.  

Dispositions

You will recognize gain or loss on disposition of France Telecom shares or ADSs in an amount equal to the difference between the amount you realized and your adjusted tax basis in the shares or ADSs. Your adjusted tax basis in a share or ADS will generally be the amount you paid for it measured in U.S. dollars. The U.S. dollar cost of a share or ADS purchased with foreign currency will generally be the U.S. dollar value of the purchase price. The gain or loss generally will be from sources within the United States. The gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the holder held the shares or ADSs for at least one year. Deductions for capital losses are subject to limitations.

If you receive a currency other than U.S. dollars upon disposition of the shares or ADSs, you will realize an amount equal to the U.S. dollar value of the currency received on the date of disposition (or, if you are a cash-basis or electing accrual basis taxpayer, the settlement date). You will have a tax basis in the currency received equal to the U.S. dollar amount realized. Gain or loss on a subsequent conversion or disposition of the currency received generally will be U.S. source ordinary income or loss.

Deposits or withdrawals of shares in exchange for ADSs will not be taxable transactions subject to U.S. federal income tax.

U.S. Information Reporting and Backup Withholding for U.S. Holders

Your dividends on the shares or ADSs and proceeds from the sale or other disposition of the shares or ADSs may be reported to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service unless you are a corporation or you otherwise establish a basis for exemption. Backup withholding tax may apply to amounts subject to reporting if you fail to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number or otherwise establish a basis for exemption. You can claim a credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability for amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules and a refund for any excess.


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10.E.3

Procedure for reduced withholding rate

If you are eligible for benefits under the U.S. France Treaty, you will be entitled to reduce the rate of French withholding tax on dividends by filing the applicable form(s) with the depositary or other financial institution managing your securities account in the United States, or failing that, the French paying agent, if the financial institution managing your securities account or the French paying agent receives the form(s) before the date of payment of the dividend. If you fail to submit the applicable form(s) in time to avoid withholding, you may claim a refund for the amount withheld in excess of the U.S. France Treaty rate.

In order to have taxes on dividends withheld at the reduced amount, you generally must provide the depositary, or other financial institution managing your securities account in the United States, with a certificate of residence before the dividend is paid. If this certificate is not stamped by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, the depositary or other financial institution managing your securities account in the U.S. must provide the French paying agent with a document listing certain information about the U.S. Holder and its shares or ADSs and a certificate whereby the financial institution managing your securities account in the United States takes full responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided in the document.

Tax exempt U.S. pension funds, charities or other tax exempt organizations must also provide a certificate from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service setting out that they have been created and operate in compliance with the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Tax exempt organizations may obtain this certification by filing a U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form 8802. Similar requirements apply to REITs, RICs and REMICs.

Collective trusts of pension funds may apply for the withholding tax reduction on behalf of their members if they provide a complete list of their members, the required certificate from the IRS for each member which is a tax exempt U.S. pension fund and a certificate setting out the dividend to which each tax exempt U.S. pension fund which is a member is entitled.

The relevant French forms will be provided by the depositary to all U.S. Holders of ADSs registered with the depositary and all U.S. Internal Revenue Service Forms are also available from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. The depositary will arrange for the filing with the French paying agent and the French tax authorities of all forms completed by U.S. Holders of ADSs that are returned to the depositary in sufficient time.

You should consult your own independent tax advisors about the availability and applicability of the reduced rate of French withholding tax.

10.F  DIVIDENDS AND PAYING AGENTS

Not applicable.

10.G  STATEMENT BY EXPERTS

Not applicable.

10.H  DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY

All documents provided to shareholders as required by law may be consulted at the France Telecom headquarters offices at 6 Place d’Alleray, 75015 Paris.

In addition, the bylaws of France Telecom are available on the Internet site www.orange.com.

France Telecom’s consolidated financial statements for the past three years are also available on its Internet site.

10.I  SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION

Not applicable.

ITEM 11   Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk

See Item 18 Financial Statements – Note 27 to the consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 12   Description of securities other than equity securities

Not applicable.


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PART II

ITEM 13   Defaults, dividend arrearages and delinquencies

To France Telecom’s knowledge, there has been no material default in the payment of principal or interest or any other material default not cured within 30 days relating to indebtedness of France Telecom or any of its fully consolidated subsidiaries.

ITEM 14   Material modifications to the rights of security holders and use of proceeds

None.

ITEM 15   Controls and procedures

15.A  DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

In 2003, France Telecom created a Disclosure Committee whose mission is to ensure the accuracy, compliance with applicable laws and regulations and recognized practices, and the consistency and quality of the financial information disclosed by France Telecom. The Disclosure Committee reviews all financial information distributed by the Group and related documents such as press releases, presentation to financial analysts and management reports. The Disclosure Committee is chaired by the Chief Financial Officer and includes the Executive Director for Communications and Brand and the relevant directors within the accounting, legal, internal audit, management control and investor relations departments.

France Telecom’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of the Group’s disclosures controls and procedures (as defined by Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of December 31, 2008, have concluded that, as of such date, France Telecom’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective. France Telecom’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the specified time periods, and that such information is made known to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

15.B  MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

France Telecom’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting of the company (as defined by Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).

France Telecom’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal controls over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

The Company management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2008. The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 has been audited by Deloitte et Associés and Ernst & Young Audit, independent registered public accounting firms, as stated in their report which is included herein.

15.C  REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMS

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of France Telecom:

We have audited France Telecom and subsidiaries (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 48



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A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assur ance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008 of the Company and our report dated March 4, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ DELOITTE & ASSOCIES

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG AUDIT

 

Represented by Christian Chiarasini


Neuilly-sur-Seine and Paris la Défense, France

March 4, 2009

ITEM 16   [reserved]

ITEM 16.A   Audit committee financial expert

At its meeting held on February 5, 2008, France Telecom’s Board of Directors determined that a member of its Audit Committee, Mr. Charles-Henri Filippi, is an Audit Committee financial expert as defined in Item 16A(b) of Form 20-F. Charles-Henri Filippi is ”independent” as defined by Rule 10A-3(b)(1)(ii) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (see Item 6 Directors, Senior Management and Employees).

ITEM 16.B   Code of ethics

France Telecom’s board of directors has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to all France Telecom employees, including the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, principal accounting officer and persons performing similar functions. A copy of France Telecom’s Code of Ethics is available on France Telecom’s website at www.orange.com.

ITEM 16.C   Principal accountant fees and services

Deloitte & Associés and Ernst & Young Audit served as France Telecom’s independent auditors for the years ending on December 31, 2008 and 2007, for which audited financial statements appear in this annual report on Form 20-F.

The following table sets forth the aggregate fees for professional services and other services rendered by Ernst & Young Audit and Deloitte & Associés to France Telecom in 2008 and 2007.

 

Deloitte

Ernst & Young

 

Amount

%

Amount

%

(in millions of euros)

2008

2007

2008

2007

2008

2007

2008

2007

Audit

        

- Audit fees

16.9

17.7

95%

98%

18.2

19.9

94%

94%

Issuer

8.9

8.5

50%

47%

8.7

8.4

45%

40%

Fully-consolidated subsidiaries

8.0

9.2

45%

51%

9.5

11.5

49%

54%

- Audit-related fees

0.9

0.3

5%

2%

1.0

1.1

5%

5%

Issuer

0.3

0.3

2%

2%

0.3

0.4

1%

2%

Fully-consolidated subsidiaries

0.6

 

3%

0%

0.7

0.7

4%

3%

Sub-total

17.8

18.0

100%

99%

19.2

21.0

99%

99%

Other services rendered by auditors’ networks to fully-consolidated subsidiaries

        

- Tax fees

0.0

0.0

0%

0%

0.2

0.2

1%

1%

- Other fees

0.0

0.1

0%

1%

0.0

0.0

0%

0%

Sub-total

0.0

0.1

0%

1%

0.2

0.2

1%

1%

Total

17.8

18.1

100%

100%

19.4

21.2

100%

100%




2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 49



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Rules for approving auditors' fees

France Telecom’s Audit Committee defines and oversees the procedures for selecting statutory auditors and makes a recommendation to the Board of Directors on their appointment and the terms of their compensation. The Audit Committee also reviews the policies and rules designed to safeguard the independence of the statutory auditors. It studies their engagement plan and the scope of their assignment.

With a view to safeguard the auditors’ independence and objectivity and in accordance with the applicable European and US regulations, France Telecom has instituted a policy for pre-approving audit and other services provided by the auditors. In December 2003, the Audit Committee adopted Group-wide internal rules in this area. These rules stipulate that all permitted audit or other services are subject to prior approval by the Audit Committee. Approval is granted either on a general basis covering a list of specific services, or on a case-by-case basis for all other services. Other services (including those directly related to the audit assignment) which may be subject to prior approval on a general basis are limited to a percentage of audit fees.  Services provided above and beyond these limits are subject to specific prior approval. Lastly, the internal rules provide a list of non-audit related services which are prohibited because they could interfere with the auditor’s independence.

All services provided by the statutory auditors in 2007 and 2008 were approved, in accordance with these rules, and the Audit Committee was regularly informed of the services provided and fees due.

ITEM 16.D   Exemptions from listing standards for audit committees

France Telecom’s Audit Committee consists of five directors including two directors who meet the independence requirements under Rule 10A-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and three who are exempt from such requirements pursuant to Rule 10A-3(b)(1)(iv) of the Exchange Act. The Audit Committee members exempt from the independence requirements include Messrs. de Larosière and Bezard, who meet the exemption requirements under Rule 10A-3(b)(1)(iv)(E) of the Exchange Act relating to foreign government representatives, and Mr. Bernardi, who meets the exemption requirements under Rule 10A-3(b)(1)(iv)(C) of the Exchange Act relating to non-executive employees. France Telecom’s reliance on such exemptions does not materially adversely affect the ability of the Audit Committee to act independently.

ITEM 16.E   Purchase of equity securities by the issuer and affiliated purchasers

The Shareholders’ Meeting of April 21, 2006 authorized for a period of eighteen months ending on October 21, 2007, a share buyback program up to a maximum of 10% of the share capital of the Company existing on the date of the meeting. Under the program, the maximum price cannot exceed 40 euros per share. The Shareholders’ Meeting of May 21, 2007 renewed this authorization without change until November 20, 2008. A press release describing the new program was submitted to the Commission on May 22, 2007 as a Report on Form 6-K.

As of May 11, 2007 France Telecom put in place a liquidity contract with an independent bank concerning its ordinary shares listed on Euronext Paris. This contract is compliant with the practice recognized by the AMF. Funding in the amount of 100 million euros was allocated to the liquidity account for purposes of implementing the contract.

PURCHASES OF TREASURY SHARES IN 2008

Period

Total number of shares purchased

Weighted average gross price per share (€)

Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced programs

Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the programs (1)

January 2008

1,738,100

24.05

1,738,100

261,387,729(2)

February 2008

763,387

23.64

763,387

260,738,732

March 2008

1,101,003

21.25

1,101,003

259,637,729

April 2008

1,310,000

20.92

1,310,000

260,462,809

May 2008

1,056,500(3)

20.41

1,056,500(3)

261,476,117(4)

June 2008

1,456,000

18.07

1,456,000

261,226,181

July 2008

2,093,662

19.05

2,093,662

261,486,181

August 2008

339,000

19.62

339,000

261,626,181

September 2008

751,716

19.92

751,716

261,776,261

October 2008

953,500

19.72

953,500

261,196,261

November 2008

2,138,217

19.31

2,138,217

261,726,261

December 2008

2,598,457

20.07

2,598,457

260,776,341

(1) Measured at month end.

(2) Under the 2007 Share buyback program approved by the Annual Shareholders' Meeting of May 21, 2007

(3) All shares were purchased under the 2007 Share buyback program

(4) Under the 2008 Share buyback program approved by the Annual Shareholders' Meeting of May 27, 2008



ITEM 16.F   Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

Not applicable.


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 50



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ITEM 16.G   Corporate governance

France Telecom has endeavored to take into account the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance standards. However, as a non-US company, France Telecom is not obliged to comply with the majority of these rules and may choose to follow rules applicable in France.

The table below discloses the significant ways in which France Telecom’s corporate governance practices differ from those required for U.S. companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

NYSE Standards

Corporate Governance Practices of France Telecom

Board Independence

France Telecom has chosen to follow the criteria for independence used in France in the Afep/Medef Report (October 2003). The Afep/Medef Report criteria provide that one-third of board members should be independent. According to these criteria, six members (out of the total of 15 current board members) are independent.

France Telecom has not tested the independence of its board members under the NYSE standards; a majority of the board may not be independent under those criteria.

The criteria of independence as provided in the Afep/Medef Report are set forth in section 6.1.1.3 “Independent Directors”.

Executive Sessions/ Communications with the Presiding Director or Non-Management Directors

French law does not require (and France Telecom does not provide for) non-management directors to meet regularly without management and nothing requires non-management directors to meet alone in an executive session at least once a year. However, if the directors decide to meet in such session, they may do so.

French law does not mandate (and France Telecom does not provide for) a method for interested parties to communicate with the presiding director or non-management directors.

Compensation/Nominating/ Corporate Governance Committee

France Telecom has a combined Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee. The Committee consists of three directors, including one independent director. According to the recommendations of the Afep/Medef Report it should be composed of a majority of independent directors.

The Committee differs from the recommendations of the NYSE in relation to the independence of members, given that the definitions are not the same. In terms of internal mechanics, while the committee has a written Charter, it does not comply with all the requirements of the NYSE.

Audit Committee

France Telecom’s Audit Committee consists of five directors including two independent directors.

Of these, two members are representatives of the French government and one is an employee who is not an executive officer of the issuer. While not meeting the definition of independence set forth in Rules 10A-3 (b) (1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, they fall within the exceptions under Rule 10A-3(b)(1)(iv) (c) relating to non executive employees and (E) relating to foreign government representatives. For its part, the Afep/Medef Report recommends that two-thirds of an audit committee’s members should be independent.

The Committee is responsible for organizing the procedure for selecting the statutory auditors. It makes a recommendation to the board of directors regarding their choice and terms of compensation. As required by French law, the actual appointment of the statutory auditors is made by the shareholders’ meeting.

According to its Charter, the Committee has the authority to engage advisors and determine appropriate funding for payment of compensation to an accounting firm for an audit or other service.

Equity Compensation Plans

Under French law, France Telecom must obtain shareholder approval at a shareholders’ meeting in order to adopt an equity compensation plan.

Adoption and disclosure of corporate governance guidelines

France Telecom has adopted corporate governance guidelines (the “Internal Guidelines”, available on its website at www.orange.com) as required by French law.

These corporate governance guidelines do not cover all items required by NYSE guidelines for U.S. companies.

Code of Ethics

France Telecom has adopted a Code of Ethics to be observed by all its directors, officers and other employees that generally meets the requirements of the NYSE.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 51



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PART III

ITEM 17   Financial statements

Not applicable

ITEM 18   Financial statements

See pages F-1 through F-112

ITEM 19   List of exhibits

1.1

Bylaws (statuts) of France Telecom, as amended on March 3, 2009.

2.1*

8 billion euro syndicated credit agreement dated June 20, 2005 among France Telecom and the several parties named therein.

2.3**

Indenture dated March 14, 2001 between France Telecom and, inter alia, Citibank, NA as Trustee.

8.0

List of France Telecom’s subsidiaries (see Note 36 to the consolidated financial statements).

10.1

Consent of Deloitte & Associés as auditors of France Telecom.

10.2

Consent of Ernst & Young Audit as auditors of France Telecom.

12.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

12.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

13.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

13.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

99

Selected pages from France Telecom’s annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2007, corresponding to Section 5.5.1 Transition from Data on a Historical Basis to Data on a Comparable Basis for 2006, as filed with the Commission on May 2, 2008, but not including any cross-references contained in such selected pages.

*

Incorporated by reference to France Telecom’s annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2005, as filed with the Commission on May 22, 2006.

**

Incorporated by reference to France Telecom’s annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2000, as filed with the Commission on May 29, 2001.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 52



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Signature

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

FRANCE TELECOM

/s/

Gervais Pellissier

Name:

Gervais Pellissier

Title:

Chief Financial Officer


Paris, France

April 23, 2009





2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – 53



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Consolidated financial statements

Report of independent registered public accounting firms

F-2

Consolidated Income Statement

F-3

Consolidated Balance Sheet

F-4

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity

F-6

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

F-9

Segment Information

F-11

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

F-17




2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-1



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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMS

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of France Telecom:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of France Telecom and subsidiaries (the “Group”) as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Group’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Group at December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

Without qualifying the above opinion, we draw your attention to note 30 that sets out the decision of the European Commission, relating to business tax (taxe professionnelle) which states that the request made by the Commission enters into the category of the contingent liabilities as defined in IAS 37 “Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets”

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Group’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 4, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.


/s/ DELOITTE & ASSOCIES

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG AUDIT

 

Represented by Christian Chiarasini


Neuilly-sur-Seine and Paris la Défense, France

March 4, 2009*




2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-2



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CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT


Amounts in millions of euros (except for per-share data)

 

Period ended

Period ended

Period ended

  

Note

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

December 31, 2006

 

 

   

Revenues

 

4

53,488

52,959

51,702

External purchases

 

5

(23,652)

(23,156)

(22,809)

Other operating incomes

 

5

380

440

473

Other operating expenses

 

5

(2,258)

(2,360)

(2,235)

Labor expenses:

- Wages and employee benefit expenses

5

(8,559)

(8,767)

(8,592)

 

- Employee profit-sharing

5

(319)

(359)

(346)

 

- Share-based compensation

5

(82)

(279)

(30)

Depreciation and amortization

 

12-13

(7,776)

(8,111)

(7,824)

Impairment of Goodwill

 

6

(271)

(26)

(2,800)

Impairment of non-current assets

 

6

(9)

(107)

(105)

Gains (losses) on disposal of assets

7

11

769

97

Restructuring costs

 

8

(470)

(208)

(567)

Share of profits (losses) of associates

14

(211)

4

24

Operating income

  

10,272

10,799

6,988

Interest expenses, net

 

9

(2,766)

(2,521)

(3,155)

Foreign exchange gains (losses)

 

9

(63)

(4)

26

Discounting expense

 

9

(158)

(125)

(122)

Finance costs, net

  

(2,987)

(2,650)

(3,521)

Income tax

 

10

(2,793)

(1,330)

(2,180)

Consolidated net income after tax of continuing operations

 

4,492

6,819

1,557

Consolidated net income after tax of discontinued operation

   

3,211

Consolidated net income after tax

 

4,492

6,819

4,768

Net income attributable to equity holders of France Telecom S.A.

 

4,069

6,300

4,139

Minority interests

 

20

423

519

629

Earnings per share (in euros)

 

20

   

Net income of continuing operations attributable to equity holders of France Telecom S.A.

   
 

- basic

 

1.56

2.42

0.40

 

- diluted

 

1.54

2.36

0.39

Net income of discontinued  operations attributable to equity holders of France Telecom S.A.

   
 

- basic

 

-

-

1.19

 

- diluted

 

-

-

1.17

Net income attributable to equity holders of France Telecom S.A.

    
 

- basic

 

1.56

2.42

1.59

 

- diluted

 

1.54

2.36

1.57


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-3



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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET


(Amounts in millions of euros)

Note

At December 31, 2008

At December 31, 2007 (1)

ASSETS

   

Goodwill

11

30,811

31,389

Other Intangible assets

12

14,451

16,658

Property, plant and equipment

13

26,534

27,849

Interests in associates

14

172

282

Assets available for sale

15

203

518

Non-current loans and receivables

17

1,554

1,960

Non-current financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

18

106

54

Non-current hedging derivatives assets

22

624

42

Other non-current assets

19

32

63

Deferred tax assets

10

5,142

7,273

Total non-current assets

 

79,629

86,088

Inventories

16

976

1,068

Trade receivables

17

6,163

6,556

Current loans and other receivables

17

63

81

Current financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, excluding cash equivalents

18

721

534

Current hedging derivatives assets

22

75

12

Other current assets

19

2,143

2,035

Current tax assets

10

144

111

Prepaid expenses

19

581

673

Cash and cash equivalents

17&18

4,800

4,025

Total current assets

 

15,666

15,095

TOTAL ASSETS

 

95,295

101,183

(1) For additionnal information regarding the effects of the implementation of IFRIC 13 on the balance sheet : see note 1


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-4



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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET


(Amounts in millions of euros)

Note

At December 31, 2008

At December 31, 2007 (1)

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

   

Share capital

 

10,460

10,457

Additional paid-in capital

 

15,325

15,317

Retained earnings

 

1,958

2,532

Cumulative translation adjustment

 

(143)

1,747

Equity attributable to equity holders of France Telecom S.A.

 

27,600

30,053

Minority interests

 

3,598

4,470

Total equity

20

31,198

34,523

Non-current trade payables

21

498

435

Non-current financial liabilities at amortized cost, excluding trade payables

21

31,782

32,532

Non-current financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

21

495

154

Non-current hedging derivatives liabilities

21

650

955

Non-current employee benefits

23

559

535

Non-current provisions

24

1,262

1,657

Other non-current liabilities

25

711

870

Deferred tax liabilities

10

1,288

1,539

Total non-current liabilities

 

37,245

38,677

Current trade payables

21

9,519

9,580

Current financial liabilities at amortized cost, excluding trade payables

21

8,236

8,694

Current financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

21

913

730

Current hedging derivatives liabilities

21

2

353

Current employee benefits

23

1,700

1,881

Current provisions

24

1,453

1,592

Other current liabilities

25

1,989

1,837

Current tax payables

10

277

331

Deferred income

25

2,763

2,985

Total current liabilities

 

26,852

27,983

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

 

95,295

101,183

(1)

For additionnal information regarding the effects of the implementation of IFRIC 13 on the balance sheet : see note 1.


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements




2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-5



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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY


(Amounts in millions of euros)

 

Number of shares in issues

Share capital

Additional paid-in capital

Attribuable to equity holders of France Télécom S.A. 

  

Total

Minority interests

Total Equity

     

Retained earnings

 

Translation adjustments

   
     

Income (expense) recognized directly in equity

Other
reserves

Net income

    
 

Note

   

Assets available for sale

Hedging instruments

Deferred taxes

      

Balance at January 1, 2006

 

2,603,059,797

10,412

15,131

123

(200)

68

(8,316)

5,709

1,933

24,860

3,578

28,438

Change in accounting policy upon application of IFRIC 13

1

      

199

  

199

 

199

Balance at January 1, 2006 after application of IFRIC 13

 

2,603,059,797

10,412

15,131

123

(200)

68

(8,117)

5,709

1,933

25,059

3,578

28,637

Unrealized foreign exchange gains (losses)

         

292

292

(18)

274

Gains (losses) on financial assets available for sale

    

(5)

     

(5)

 

(5)

Foreign exchange gains (losses) on cash flow hedges

     

102

    

102

2

104

Deferred tax on items recognized directly in equity

      

(36)

   

(36)

 

(36)

Total income and expense recognized directly in equity (A)

    

(5)

102

(36)

  

292

353

(16)

337

Net income for the year 2006 (B)

        

4,139

 

4,139

629

4,768

Total recognized income and expense for the year (A+B)

 

   

(5)

102

(36)

 

4,139

292

4,492

613

5,105

Allocation of 2005 net income

       

5,709

(5,709)

 

0

 

0

Capital increase (stock-options exercised)

 

3,613,333

15

48

      

63

 

63

Share-based compensation : stock options

       

31

  

31

3

34

Dividends

20

      

(2,602)

  

(2,602)

(590)

(3,192)

Impact of sale of Pages Jaunes Group

3

      

0

  

0

(159)

(159)

Impact of purchase of minority interest and merger of Spanish entities

3

      

31

  

31

1,136

1,167

Impact of purchase of minority interest and change in consolidation method of Jordan entities

3

      

59

  

59

221

280

Other movements

       

(136)

 

(5)

(141)

42

(99)

Balance at December 31, 2006

 

2,606,673,130

10,427

15,179

118

(98)

32

(5,025)

4,139

2,220

26,992

4,844

31,836

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements




2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-6



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 Attribuable to equity holders of France Télécom S.A.  

     

(Amounts in millions of euros)

 

Number of shares in issues

Share capital

Additional paid-in capital

Retained earnings

  

Translation adjustments

Total

Minority interests

Total Equity

     

Income (expense) recognized directly in equity

Other
reserves

Net income

    
 

Note

   

Assets available for sale

Hedging instruments

Deferred taxes

      

Balance at January 1, 2007

 

2,606,673,130

10,427

15,179

118

(98)

32

(5,025)

4,139

2,220

26,992

4,844

31,836

Unrealized foreign exchange gains (losses)

         

(467)

(467)

56

(411)

Gains (losses) on financial assets available for sale

    

(38)

     

(38)

 

(38)

Foreign exchange gains (losses) on cash flow hedges

     

309

    

309

10

319

Deferred tax on items recognized directly in equity

      

(106)

   

(106)

(2)

(108)

Total income and expense recognized directly in equity (A)

    

(38)

309

(106)

  

(467)

(302)

64

(238)

Net income for the year 2007 (B)

        

6,300

 

6,300

519

6,819

Total recognized income and expense for the year (A+B)

 

   

(38)

309

(106)

 

6,300

(467)

5,998

583

6,581

Allocation of 2006 net income

       

4,139

(4,139)

 

0

 

0

Capital increase (stock-options exercised)

 

7,675,781

30

138

      

168

 

168

Share-based compensation : Employee shareholding plan within the scope of the sale of shares owned by the French State

       

67

  

67

 

67

Share-based compensation : Free share award plan

       

147

  

147

2

149

Share-based compensation : stock options

       

23

  

23

 

23

Purchase of treasury shares

20

      

(214)

  

(214)

 

(214)

Dividends

20

      

(3,117)

  

(3,117)

(670)

(3,787)

Other transactions with minority interests

3

      

0

  

0

(107)

(107)

Other movements

       

(5)

 

(6)

(11)

(182)

(193)

Balance at December 31, 2007

 

2,614,348,911

10,457

15,317

80

211

(74)

(3,985)

6,300

1,747

30,053

4,470

34,523




2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-7



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 Attribuable to equity holders of France Télécom S.A.  

     

(Amounts in millions of euros)

 

Number of shares in issues

Share capital

Additional paid-in capital

Retained earnings

  

Translation adjustments

Total

Minority interests

Total Equity

     

Income (expense) recognized directly in equity

Other
reserves

Net income

    
 

Note

   

Assets available for sale

Hedging instruments

Deferred taxes

      

Balance at January 1, 2008

 

2,614,348,911

10,457

15,317

80

211

(74)

(3,985)

6,300

1,747

30,053

4,470

34,523

Unrealized foreign exchange gains (losses)

         

(1,930)

(1,930)

(192)

(2,122)

Gains (losses) on financial assets available for sale

 

2

  

(54)

     

(54)

 

(54)

Foreign exchange gains (losses) on cash flow hedges

     

460

    

460

(1)

459

Foreign exchange gains (losses) on net investment hedges

     

(26)

    

(26)

 

(26)

Deferred tax on items recognized directly in equity

      

(145)

   

(145)

0

(145)

Total income and expense recognized directly in equity (A)

    

(54)

434

(145)

  

(1,930)

(1,695)

(193)

(1,888)

Net income for the year 2008 (B)

        

4,069

 

4,069

423

4,492

Total recognized income and expense for the year (A+B)

 

   

(54)

434

(145)

 

4,069

(1,930)

2,374

230

2,604

Allocation of 2007 net income

       

6,300

(6,300)

 

0

 

0

Capital increase (stock-options exercised)

20

642,325

3

8

      

11

 

11

Share-based compensation : Free share award plan

20

      

50

  

50

1

51

Share-based compensation : stock options

20

      

24

  

24

1

25

Purchase of treasury shares

20

      

17

  

17

 

17

Dividends

20

      

(4,949)

  

(4,949)

(661)

(5,610)

Other transactions with minority interests

3

      

0

  

0

(348)

(348)

Other movements

       

(20)

 

40

20

(95)

(75)

Balance at December 31, 2008

 

2,614,991,236

10,460

15,325

26

645

(219)

(2,563)

4,069

(143)

27,600

3,598

31,198


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements





2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-8



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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS


(Amounts in millions of euros)

Note

Year ended
Decembre 31, 2008

Year ended
Decembre 31, 2007

Year ended
Decembre 31, 2006

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

    

 

Consolidated net income

 

4,492

6,819

4,768

Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to funds generated from operations

    

 

Depreciation and amortization

12-13

7,776

8,111

7,833

 

Impairment of non-current assets

6-12-13

9

107

105

 

Impairment of goodwill

6-11

271

26

2,800

 

Gain on disposals of assets

7

(11)

(769)

(3,079)

 

Change in other provisions

,

(591)

(945)

(847)

 

Share of profits (losses) of associates

14

211

(4)

(24)

 

Income tax

10

2,793

1,330

2,302

 

Interest income and expense

 

2,472

2,627

3,004

 

Foreign exchange gains and losses, net

 

405

(740)

(796)

 

Derivatives

 

77

756

1,038

 

Share-based compensation

 

76

234

34

Change in inventories, trade receivables and trade payables

    

 

Decrease/(increase) in inventories (net)

 

38

(250)

1

 

Decrease/(increase) in trade accounts receivable

 

216

121

82

 

Increase/(decrease) in trade accounts payable

 

359

190

(318)

Other changes in working capital requirements

    

 

Decrease/(increase) in other receivables

 

(221)

(98)

15

 

Increase/(decrease) in other payables

 

(233)

331

235

 

Dividends and interest income received

 

299

315

164

 

Interest paid and interest rates effects on derivatives, net

 

(2,561)

(2,726)

(2,848)

 

Income tax paid

 

(878)

(791)

(606)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

14,999

14,644

13,863

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

    

Purchases/sales of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

    

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

12-13

(7,140)

(7,064)

(7,039)

 

Increase/(decrease) in amounts due to fixed asset suppliers

 

(76)

125

228

 

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

12-13

233

113

105

Cash paid for investment securities, net of cash acquired

 

   

 

Purchase of treasury shares by TP S.A.

3

(200)

(185)

-

 

Purchase of treasury shares by Mobistar

3

(175)

-

-

 

FT España

3

(169)

-

-

 

Orange Uganda Limited

3

(40)

-

-

 

Compagnie Européenne de Téléphonie

3

(32)

-

-

 

Silicomp

3

(5)

(96)

-

 

FT España ISP (Ya.com)

3

-

(319)

-

 

Telkom Kenya

3

-

(270)

-

 

Orange Moldova

3

-

(103)

-

 

Voxmobile

3

-

(80)

-

 

Amena

3

-

-

(113)

 

Other payments for investment securities

3

(140)

(64)

(142)

Proceeds from sales of investment securities, net of cash transferred

 

   

 

Orange Nederland

3

-

1,306

-

 

Tower Participations

3

-

254

-

 

Bluebirds

3

-

110

-

 

One

3

-

82

-

 

PagesJaunes

3

-

-

2,697

 

Other proceeds from sales of investment securities

3

56

56

112

Decrease/(increase) in marketable securities and other long-term assets

    

 

Escrow deposit

17-30

(207)

(757)

-

 

Other

 

(140)

11

(539)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(8,035)

(6,881)

(4,691)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-9



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Note

Year ended

Decembre 31, 2008

Year ended

Decembre 31, 2007

Year ended

Decembre 31, 2006

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

    

Issuances

 

    

 

Bonds convertible, exchangeable or redeemable into shares

21

4,047

3,122

928

 

Long-term debt

21

1,439

824

585

Redemptions and repayments

    

 

Bonds convertible, exchangeable or redeemable into shares

21

(6,328)

(4,001)

(3,895)

 

Long-term debt

21

(711)

(2,430)

(1,997)

 

Equity portion of hybrid debt

20-21

(64)

(16)

(42)

 

Increase/(decrease) in bank overdrafts and short-term borrowings

21

968

(906)

(1,117)

 

Decrease/(increase) in deposits and other debt-linked financial assets (including cash collateral)

21

672

(330)

192

 

Exchange rates effects on derivatives, net

 

(378)

(99)

(724)

 

Purchase of treasury shares

20

(35)

(214)

(10)

 

Capital increase/(decrease) - France Telecom S.A. shareholders

20

11

140

54

 

Capital increase/(decrease) - minority shareholders

20

(100)

50

(50)

 

Dividends paid to minority shareholders

20

(629)

(677)

(593)

 

Dividends paid by France Telecom S.A.

20

(4,949)

(3,117)

(2,602)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(6,057)

(7,654)

(9,271)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

907

109

(99)

Effect of exchange rates changes on cash and cash equivalents and other non-monetary effects

 

(132)

(54)

(28)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

4,025

3,970

4,097

 

 

    

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

4,800

4,025

3,970

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements





2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-10



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SEGMENT INFORMATION

Analysis by business segment

Main operating indicators by business segment for the year ended December 31, 2008 

Income statement for the year ended December 31, 2008 

(in millions of euros)

PCS

HCS

ECS

Eliminations and

 unallocated items

Total

France

Telecom

Revenues

29,477

22,951

7,778

(6,718)

53,488

 - external

28,478

17,730

7,280

-

53,488

 - inter-segment

999

5,221

498

(6,718)

-

External purchases

(16,563)

(9,024)

(4,783)

6,718

(23,652)

Other operating income

218

1,047

97

(982)

380

Other operating expense

(1,728)

(1,340)

(172)

982

(2,258)

Labor expenses

- Wages and employee benefit expenses

(1,301)

(5,902)

(1,356)

-

(8,559)

Gross operating margin

10,103

7,732

1,564

-

19,399

 

- Employee profit-sharing

(47)

(253)

(19)

-

(319)

 

- Share-based compensation

(15)

(53)

(14)

-

(82)

Depreciation and amortization

(4,171)

(3,243)

(362)

-

(7,776)

Impairment of goodwill

(42)

(229)

-

-

(271)

Impairment of non-current assets

(1)

23

(31)

-

(9)

Gains (losses) on disposals of assets

-

-

-

11

11

Restructuring costs

(57)

(390)

(23)

-

(470)

Share of profits (losses) of associates

(194)

(17)

-

-

(211)

Operating income

    

10,272

 - Allocated by segment

5,576

3,570

1,115

-

10,261

 - Non-allocable

-

-

-

11

11

Interest expenses, net

-

-

-

(2,766)

(2,766)

Foreign exchange gains (losses)

-

-

-

(63)

(63)

Discounting expense

-

-

-

(158)

(158)

Income tax

-

-

-

(2,793)

(2,793)

Consolidated net income

    

4,492

Non-cash income and expense items included in operating income allocated by business segment

(4,466)

(2,891)

(362)

-

(7,719)

Investments in property, plant & equipment and intangible assets

     

- excluding telecommunications licenses

3,192

3,319

356

-

6,867

- telecommunications licenses

272

1

-

-

273

- financed through finance leases

33

120

23

-

176

Total investments (1)

3,497

3,440

379

-

7,316

(1)

Including 1,883 million euros for other intangible assets and 5,433 million euros for property, plant and equipment (see Notes 12 and 13).



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-11



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Balance sheet at December 31, 2008 


(in millions of euros)

PCS

HCS

ECS

Eliminations and

 unallocated items

Total

France

Telecom

Goodwill

24,798

5,592

421

-

30,811

Other intangible assets

8,229

5,946

276

-

14,451

Property, plant and equipment

11,570

14,392

572

-

26,534

Interests in associates

86

86

-

-

172

Other non-current assets

11

1

20

-

32

Non-segment non-current assets (1)

-

-

-

7,629

7,629

Non-current assets

    

79,629

Inventories

632

310

34

-

976

Trade receivables (2)

4,122

6,310

918

(5,187)

6,163

Other current assets

892

1,214

133

(96)

2,143

Prepaid expenses

355

250

82

(106)

581

Non-segment current assets (1)

-

-

-

5,803

5,803

Current assets

    

15,666

Total assets

    

95,295

- o/w segment assets

50,695

34,101

2,456

(5,389)

81,863

- o/w non-segment assets

-

-

-

13,432

13,432

Equity

    

31,198

Non-current trade payables

487

11

-

-

498

Non-current employee benefits

27

457

75

-

559

Non-current provisions

404

832

26

-

1,262

Other non-current liabilities

4

707

-

-

711

Non-segment non-current liabilities (1)

-

-

-

34,215

34,215

Non-current liabilities

    

37,245

Current trade payables

9,278

4,585

847

(5,191)

9,519

Current employee benefits

203

1,218

279

-

1,700

Current provisions

203

1,194

56

-

1,453

Other current liabilities

677

1,243

160

(91)

1,989

Deferred income

1,370

1,343

157

(107)

2,763

Non-segment current liabilities (1)

-

-

-

9,428

9,428

Current liabilities

    

26,852

Total equity and liabilities

    

95,295

- o/w segment liabilities

12,653

11,590

1,600

(5,389)

20,454

- o/w non-segment liabilities

-

-

-

74,841

74,841

(1)

Mainly assets and liabilities comprising net financial debt and deferred taxes.

(2)

Some trade receivables generated by the Enterprise Communication Services segment (approximately 313 million euros) are included in the Home Communication Services segment, which is responsible for their collection.


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-12



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Main operating indicators by business segment for the year ended December 31, 2007 

Income statement for the year ended December 31, 2007 


(in millions of euros)

PCS

HCS

ECS

Eliminations and

 unallocated items

Total

France

Telecom

Revenues

29,119

22,671

7,721

(6,552)

52,959

 - external

28,144

17,548

7,267

-

52,959

 - inter-segment

975

5,123

454

(6,552)

-

External purchases

(16,296)

(8,497)

(4,912)

6,549

(23,156)

Other operating incomes

258

1,023

97

(938)

440

Other operating expenses

(1,640)

(1,480)

(178)

938

(2,360)

Labor expenses

- Wages and employee benefit expenses

(1,464)

(5,918)

(1,385)

-

(8,767)

Gross operating margin

9,977

7,799

1,343

(3)

19,116

 

- Employee profit-sharing

(65)

(268)

(26)

-

(359)

 

- Share-based compensation

(18)

(232)

(29)

-

(279)

Depreciation and amortization

(4,456)

(3,238)

(420)

3

(8,111)

Impairment of goodwill

-

(26)

-

-

(26)

Impairment of non-current assets

(8)

(6)

(93)

-

(107)

Gains (losses) on disposal of assets

-

-

-

769

769

Restructuring costs

(27)

(153)

(28)

-

(208)

Share of profits (losses) of associates

4

-

-

-

4

Operating income

    

10,799

 - Allocated by segment

5,407

3,876

747

-

10,030

 - Non-allocable

-

-

-

769

769

Interest expenses, net

-

-

-

(2,521)

(2,521)

Foreign exchange gains (losses)

-

-

-

(4)

(4)

Discounting expense

-

-

-

(125)

(125)

Income tax

-

-

-

(1,330)

(1,330)

Consolidated net income after tax

    

6,819

Non-cash income and expense items included in operating income allocated by business segment

(4,498)

(2,526)

(498)

-

(7,522)

Investments in property, plant & equipment and intangible assets

     

- excluding telecommunication licenses

3,493

3,080

406

-

6,979

- telecommunication licenses

85

-

-

-

85

- financed through finance leases

30

-

14

-

44

Total investments (1)

3,608

3,080

420

-

7,108

(1)

Including 1,693 million euros for other intangible assets and 5,415 million euros for property, plant and equipment (see Notes 12 and 13).



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-13



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Balance sheet at December 31, 2007 


(in millions of euros)

PCS

HCS

ECS

Eliminations and

 unallocated items

Total

France

Telecom

Goodwill

24,931

6,059

399

-

31,389

Other intangible assets

10,166

6,252

240

-

16,658

Property, plant and equipment

12,073

15,190

586

-

27,849

Interests in associates

273

3

6

-

282

Other non-current assets

35

5

23

-

63

Non-segment non-current assets (1)

-

-

-

9,847

9,847

Non-current assets

    

86,088

Inventories

684

342

42

-

1,068

Trade receivables (2)

3,916

5,254

921

(3,535)

6,556

Other current assets

936

1,072

165

(138)

2,035

Prepaid expenses

362

313

81

(83)

673

Non-segment current assets (1)

-

-

-

4,763

4,763

Current assets

    

15,095

Total assets

    

101,183

- o/w segment assets

53,376

34,490

2,463

(3,756)

86,573

- o/w non-segment assets

-

-

-

14,610

14,610

Equity

    

34,523

Non-current trade payables

429

6

-

-

435

Non-current employee benefits

22

429

84

-

535

Non-current provisions

352

1,252

53

-

1,657

Other non-current liabilities

13

857

-

-

870

Non-segment non-current liabilities (1)

-

-

-

35,180

35,180

Non-current liabilities

    

38,677

Current trade payables

7,652

4,646

826

(3,544)

9,580

Current employee benefits

320

1,247

314

-

1,881

Current provisions

214

1,287

91

-

1,592

Other current liabilities

693

1,104

168

(128)

1,837

Deferred income

1,455

1,436

178

(84)

2,985

Non-segment current liabilities (1)

-

-

-

10,108

10,108

Current liabilities

    

27,983

Total equity and liabilities

    

101,183

- o/w segment liabilities

11,150

12,264

1,714

(3,756)

21,372

- o/w non-segment liabilities

-

-

-

79,811

79,811

(1)

Mainly assets and liabilities comprising net financial debt and deferred taxes.

(2)

Some trade receivables (approximately 480 million euros) generated by the Enterprise Communication Services segment are included in the Home Communication Services segment, which is responsible for their collection.


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-14



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Main operating indicators by business segment for the year ended December 31, 2006 

Income statement for the year ended December 31, 2006 


(in millions of euros)

PCS

HCS

ECS

Eliminations and

 unallocated items

Total

France Telecom

Revenues

27,745

22,487

7,652

(6,182)

51,702

 - external

26,770

17,701

7,231

-

51,702

 - inter-segment

975

4,786

421

(6,182)

-

External purchases

(15,653)

(8,520)

(4,816)

6,180

(22,809)

Other operating incomes

155

529

122

(333)

473

Other operating expenses

(1,034)

(1,384)

(150)

333

(2,235)

Labor expenses

- Wages and employee benefit expenses

(1,527)

(5,847)

(1,218)

-

(8,592)

Gross operating margin

9,686

7,265 (1)

1,590

(2)

18,539

 

- Employee profit-sharing

(71)

(252)

(23)

-

(346)

 

- Share-based compensation

(13)

(14)

(3)

-

(30)

Depreciation and amortization

(4,183)

(3,241)

(402)

2

(7,824)

Impairment of goodwill

(2,525)

(275) (2)

-

-

(2,800)

Impairment of non-current assets

(31)

(72)

(2)

-

(105)

Gains (losses) on disposal of assets

-

-

-

97

97

Restructuring costs

(68)

(474)

(25)

-

(567)

Share of profits (losses) of associates

-

24

-

-

24

Operating income

    

6,988

 - Allocated by segment

2,795

2,961

1,135

-

6,891

 - Non-allocable

   

97

97

Interest expenses, net

-

-

-

(3,155)

(3,155)

Foreign exchange gains (losses)

-

-

-

26

26

Discounting expense

-

-

-

(122)

(122)

Income tax

-

-

-

(2,180)

(2,180)

Consolidated net income after tax of continuing operations

   

1,557

Consolidated net income after tax of discontinued

    

3,211 (3)

Consolidated net income after tax

    

4,768

Non-cash income and expense items included in operating income allocated by business segment

(6,691)

(2,823)

(368)

-

(9,892)

Investments in property, plant & equipment and intangible assets

    

- excluding telecommunication licenses

3,581

2,721

430

-

6,732

- telecommunication licenses(4)

283

-

-

-

283

- financed through finance leases

20

2

15

-

37

Total investments

3,884

2,723

445

-

7,052

(1)

Includes a 129 million euro reversal of provisions for post-employment benefits (see Note 5).

(2)

Goodwill on TP Group is included in the Home segment.

(3)

PagesJaunes Group (see Note 3).

(4)

Mainly renewal of Orange France's GSM license.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-15



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Analysis by geographic segment

Revenue contribution

 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

December 31, 2006

France

28,564

27,856

27,454

United Kingdom

6,102

6,706

6,464

Poland

 5,140

4,787

4,755

Spain

4,015

3,911

3,835

Rest of Europe

5,148

5,479

5,468

Rest of the world

4,519

4,220

3,726

Total Group

53,488

52,959

51,702


Investments in property, plant & equipment and intangible assets (including finance leases and telecommunications licenses)

 

Year ended

(in millions of euros )

 

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

France

 

3,528

3,273

United Kingdom

 

488

549

Poland

 

736

963

Spain

 

572

627

Rest of Europe

 

631

719

Rest of the world

 

1,361

977

Total Group

 

7,316

7,108


Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, net (excluding goodwill)

 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

 

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

France

 

15,838

15,520

United Kingdom

 

8,510

11,484

Poland

 

5,580

7,049

Spain

 

4,365

4,862

Rest of Europe

 

2,938

2,773

Rest of the world

 

3,754

2,819

Total Group

 

40,985

44,507



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-16



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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 - Description of business and basis of preparation of the consolidated financial statements

F-18

Note 2 - Accounting Policies

F-23

Note 3 - Main acquisitions, disposals of companies and changes in scope of consolidation

F-35

Note 4 - Revenues

F-39

Note 5 - Operating income and expenses

F-40

Note 6 - Impairment

F-42

Note 7 - Gains and losses on disposals of assets

F-45

Note 8 – Restructuring costs

F-46

Note 9 - Finance costs, net

F-47

Note 10 - Income tax

F-49

Note 11 - Goodwill

F-52

Note 12 - Other intangible assets

F-53

Note 13 - Property, plant and equipment

F-55

Note 14 - Interests in associates

F-56

Note 15 - Assets available for sale

F-58

Note 16 - Inventories

F-58

Note 17 - Loans and receivables

F-59

Note 18 - Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

F-61

Note 19 - Other assets and prepaid expenses

F-62

Note 20 - Equity

F-63

Note 21 - Financial liabilities and net financial debt

F-66

Note 22 - Derivative instruments

F-71

Note 23 - Employee benefits

F-73

Note 24 - Provisions

F-78

Note 25 - Other liabilities and deferred income

F-80

Note 26 - Other information relating to share-based payment and similar compensation

F-81

Note 27 - Other information on exposure to market risks and financial instruments

F-85

Note 28 - Other information on the fair value of financial assets and liabilities

F-90

Note 29 - Off-balance sheet commitments and contractual obligations

F-92

Note 30 - Litigation

F-96

Note 31 - Related-party transactions

F-100

Note 32 - Subsequent events

F-102

Note 33 - Scope of consolidation

F-103




2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-17



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NOTE 1 - DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PREPARATION OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.1 Description of business

The France Telecom Group provides consumers, businesses and other telecommunications operators with a wide range of services including fixed telephony and mobile telecommunications, data transmission, Internet and multimedia, and other value-added services.

1.2 Basis of preparation of 2008 consolidated financial statements

The consolidated financial statements (“the financial statements”) were approved by the Board of Directors at its meeting of March 3, 2009.

In accordance with European regulation n° 1606/2002 dated July 19, 2002, the 2008 consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted for use by the European Union. Comparative figures are presented for 2007 and 2006 compiled using the same basis of preparation.

On the reported periods, the accounting standards and interpretations endorsed by the European Union and compulsory as of December 31, 2008 are similar to the compulsory standards and interpretations published by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) with the exception of the IAS 39 standard, only partially endorsed by the European Union, which has no effect on Group accounts. Consequently, Group accounts are prepared in accordance with the IFRS standards and interpretations, as published by the IASB.

The principles applied to prepare financial data relating to the financial year 2008 are based on:

all standards endorsed by the European Union and interpretations compulsory as of December 31, 2008 and any IFRS standards and interpretations with early application. New standards and interpretations applied by the Group in 2008 are:


Standard / Interpretation

Consequences for the Group

Amendments to IAS 39 and IFRS 7

Reclassification of Financial Assets

These amendments, designed for special situations, allow for the reclassification of some financial assets.

The Group did not elect to reclassify any financial assets.

IFRIC 12

Service Concession Arrangements

The application of this interpretation has no effect on the reported financial statements.

IFRIC 13

Customer Loyalty Programs

Loyalty programs consist of granting future benefits to customers (such as call credit and product discounts…).

IFRIC 13 changes the accounting treatment for loyalty programs applied by the Group until December 31, 2007, based on the French GAAP opinion 2004-E of CNC’s Comité d’Urgence (Emerging Issues Accounting Committee). According to IFRIC 13, loyalty programs should be valued at their fair value which is defined as the excess price over the sales incentive that would be granted to any new customer. Loyalty programs were formerly only valued on the basis of sales incentive granted to a loyal customer.

First-time application of IFRIC 13 is accounted for as a change in accounting policy in accordance with IAS 8. It has no effect on the consolidated net income and its main consequence is a decrease in the amount of deferred income relating to loyalty programs awarded.


The accounting consequences of IFRIC 13 change in accounting policy are:



(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2007

December 31, 2006

Published

IFRIC 13 impact

Restated

Published

IFRIC 13 impact

Restated

Revenues

52,959

-

52,959

51,702

-

51,702

Consolidated net income

6,819

-

6,819

4 ,768

-

4,768

Retained earnings

2,334

198

2,532

(1,032)

199

(833)

Total equity

34,325

198

34,523

31,638

199

31,837

Deferred tax liabilities

1,440

99

1,539

1,749

99

1,848

Current provisions

1,599

(7)

1,592

1,816

-

1,816

Deferred income

3,275

(290)

2,985

3,177

(298)

2,879

the recognition and measurement options proposed by the IFRS standards:


Standard

Option used

IAS 2

Inventories

Recognition of inventories at their original cost determined by the weighted average unit cost method

IAS 16

Property, Plant and Equipment

Measurement at amortized historical cost

IAS 19

Employee Benefits

Recognition of actuarial gains and losses on pensions and other post-employment benefit obligations as from January 1, 2004 according to the corridor method

IAS 23

Borrowing Costs

Recognition as interest expense incurred during the construction and acquisition period of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

IAS 31

Interests in Joint Ventures

Accounting for using the proportionate consolidation method

IAS 38

Intangible Assets

Measurement at amortized historical cost



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-18



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the available exemptions regarding the retrospective application of IFRSs at the transition date (January 1, 2004 for the France Telecom Group) hereafter summarized:


Standard

IFRS 1 option used

IFRS 2

Share-based Payment

Retrospective application of provisions of IFRS 2 to equity-settled and cash-settled plans, including those implemented prior to November 7, 2002

IFRS 3

Business Combinations

Non-application of the provisions of this standard for business combinations prior to the transition date

Acquisition of minority interests accounted for as goodwill for the difference between the acquisition cost and the minority interest share in the net equity, without any remeasurement of the assets and liabilities acquired

IAS 16 and

IAS 38

Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangible Assets

Measurement of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets at historical cost, except for certain real estate assets held by TP Group and certain items of property, plant and equipment owned by France Telecom S.A. which were remeasured at fair value at the time of the change in the Company’s status and deregulation of the telecommunications market in 1996

IAS 19

Employee Benefits

Recognition of all actuarial gains and losses existing as of January 1, 2004 in equity

IAS 21

Effect of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates

Transfer into retained earnings of all cumulative translation differences for all foreign operations at January 1, 2004

IAS 39

Financial Instruments

Reclassification of certain financial instruments recognized prior to January 1, 2004 as financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss or as assets available for sale

Prospective application as of January 1, 2004 of the fair value option relating to initial recognition of certain financial assets and liabilities

accounting positions adopted by the Group in accordance with paragraphs 10 to 12 of IAS 8 hereafter:


Topic

Note

Presentation of consolidated financial statements

2.1

Minority interests

2.4

Waste electrical and electronical equipment

2.18

Individual right to training for employees (Droit Individuel à la Formation (DIF))

2.19

Employee share offer

2.20

Lastly, where a specific transaction is not dealt with in any standards or interpretations, management uses its judgment to define and apply an accounting policy that will result in relevant and reliable information, such that the financial statements:

present fairly the Group’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows;

reflect the economic substance of transactions;

are neutral;

are prepared on a prudent basis; and

are complete in all material respects.


1.3 Standards and interpretations compulsory after December 31, 2008 with no early application decided by the Group

France Telecom has not opted for early application of the following standards, amendments and interpretations published as at December 31, 2008 (already adopted or in the process of being adopted by the European Union).

IFRS 8 and IAS 36 amended by IFRS 8


Standard / Interpretation

(application date for the Group)

Consequences for the Group

IFRS 8

Operating Segments

(applicable for financial years beginning after January 1, 2009)

IFRS 8 supersedes IAS 14 Segment reporting. IFRS 8 provides for the reporting of data relating to the Group operating segments based on the internal reporting and used by the chief operating decision-maker (the Chief Executive Officer for the Group) in order to decide the allocation of resources and the assessment of the operating segments’ performance. IAS 14 required information on two levels: business segments and geographical segments.

In accordance with the strategy of convergence implemented by the NExT plan, the Group has adopted a new reporting based on its organization since January 1, 2009. The operating segments (or group of operating segments) are: enterprise services of Orange Business Services, telecommunications services (fixed-line, broadband and mobile) in France, Poland, United Kingdom, Spain, other countries, shared support services and corporate services.

IAS 36 (amended by IFRS 8)

Impairment of Assets

(applicable for financial years beginning after January 1, 2009)

The IFRS 8 requirements affect the structure of segment reporting and the levels of Cash-Generating Units (CGUs) retained to test the goodwill for impairment: IAS 36 amendment states that goodwill must be allocated to CGUs which are not larger than an operating segment.

This amendment is retrospective, which requires to identify the operating segments following the current internal reporting until December 31, 2008 in accordance with the IFRS 8 principles.

This will retrospectively increase impairment loss for:

goodwill relating to fixed-line and broadband businesses of TP amounting to circa 501 million euros as at January 1, 2007 (portion attributable to equity holders of France Telecom S.A.);

goodwill relating to fixed-line and broadband businesses of Jordan Telecom amounting to circa 47 million euros as at January 1, 2007 (portion attributable to equity holders of France Telecom S.A.).




2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-19



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Others


Standard / Interpretation

(application date for the Group)

Consequences for the Group

IFRS 1 (revised in 2008)

First Time Adoption of IFRS

(applicable for financial years beginning after January 1, 2009)

The Group, already applying IFRS, is not impacted by this revision.

IAS 1

(revised in 2007)

Presentation of Financial Statements

(applicable for financial years beginning after January 1, 2009)

The application of this revision will be without effect on the Group financial position but will modify the presentation of its financial statements, including:

the statement of changes in equity will present only transactions between the shareholders, the other transactions being included in a comprehensive income statement;

all changes in assets and liabilities for a period will be presented in two statements: a separate income statement (components of profit or loss) and a statement of comprehensive income (components of other comprehensive income).

IAS 23 (revised in 2007)

Borrowing Costs

(applicable to borrowing costs relating to qualifying assets for which the commencement for capitalization is on or after January 1, 2009)

Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset shall be capitalized as part of the cost of that asset which requires a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale, unlike what has been applied so far by the Group.

The network deployment mode – in the Group assessment – does not generally require a substantial period of time. Consequently, a limited number of assets should qualify for and the effects of this standard application are not expected to be material.


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-20



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Standard / Interpretation

(application date for the Group)

Consequences for the Group

IFRS 3

and

IAS 27

(revised in 2008)

Business Combinations and Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements

(applicable to accounting for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after January 1, 2010)

Changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in a change of control will be accounted for as changes in equity. Moreover, the revised standard will allow for each takeover with interest ownership below 100% to account goodwill either on a 100% basis or on the acquired interest ownership basis (without any subsequent change in case of additional purchase of minority interests).

Acquisition related costs will be directly expensed.

Changes in a parent’s ownership interest resulting in a loss of control will lead to recognize investment retained in the former subsidiary at its fair value.

The Group will therefore change the accounting for its future business combinations and its future minority interest transactions.

Amendment to IFRS 2

Vesting Conditions and Cancellations

(applicable for financial years beginning after January 1, 2009)

This amendment states that fair value of equity instruments awarded has to include all ancillary conditions for the acquisition of rights. Moreover, when one of the parties may elect not to _fulfil one of these conditions, this choice has to be accounted for as a cancellation.

The application of this amendment will have no effect on the reported periods.

Amendement to IAS 32

and

IAS 1

Puttable Financial Instruments and Obligations Arising on Liquidation

(applicable for financial years beginning after January 1, 2009)

Puttable instruments and obligations arising on liquidation will be classified within equity and no longer within debt.

Firm or contingent commitments to purchase minority interests are not in the scope of this standard.

The Group does not hold such financial instruments at this date and is therefore not affected by this amendment.

Amendment to IFRS 1

and

IAS 27

Cost of an Investment in a Subsidiary, Jointly Controlled Entity or Associate

(applicable for financial years beginning after January 1, 2009)

This amendment deals only with separate financial statements and not consolidated financial statements.

It will consequently have no effect on the Group consolidated financial statements.

Improvements to IFRSs

Improvements to IFRSs

(applicable for financial years beginning after January 1, 2009, except for IFRS 5 after January 1, 2010)

The impacts of this amendment are currently being analyzed.

Amendment to IAS 39

Eligible Hedged Items

(applicable for financial years beginning after January 1, 2010 )

This amendment states that the time value should not be considered in a hedging relationship and inflation can only be designated as a hedged item in certain conditions.

This amendment will have no effect on the Group financial statements.

IFRIC 15

Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate

(applicable for financial years beginning after January 1, 2009 )

Agreements in the scope of this interpretation dealing only with construction of real estate, this interpretation has no consequences for the Group.

IFRIC 16

Hedges of a Net Investment in a Foreign Operation

(applicable for financial years beginning after January 1, 2009 )

This interpretation clarifies some principles of net investment hedge:

the hedged item can only be an exchange difference between functional currencies, for an amount lower than the net investment carrying amount, and it can only be hedged once ;

the hedging instrument may be held in any group entity except the foreign operation that itself is being hedged;

the profit or loss relating to the hedge and initially booked in equity has to be reclassified in profit or loss on the disposal of the net investment.

This interpretation will be without effect on the Group financial statements.

IFRIC 17

Distributions of Non-cash Assets to Owners

(applicable for financial years beginning after January 1, 2010 )

This interpretation deals with the accounting treatment for distributions of non-cash assets to owners (excluding distributions between entities under common control). It states the fair value of the distributed assets has to be recognized as debt when the decision to distribute is made and any difference with the net book value of the distributed assets has to be book through profit or loss on distribution date.

The application of this interpretation is prospective.


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-21



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1.4 Use of estimates

In preparing the Group financial statements, France Telecom’s management makes estimates, insofar as many elements included in the financial statements cannot be measured with precision. The management revises these estimates if the underlying circumstances evolve or in light of new information or experience. Consequently, estimates made at December 31, 2008 may subsequently be changed. The underlying assumptions used for significant estimates are described in the following notes.


Estimate

Nature of disclosure

Note 3

Main acquisitions and disposals of companies and changes in scope of consolidation

Where applicable, selection of the key measurement methods and assumptions used to identify intangible assets in business combinations

Goodwill allocation to Cash-Generating Unit (CGU)

Note 4

Revenue

Allocation of each separable component of a packaged offer based on its relative fair value

Straight-line recognition of revenue relating to service access fees invoiced depending on the nature of product and historical contractual relationship

Reporting revenue on a net versus gross basis (analysis of Group’s involvement acting as principal versus agent).

Note 6

Impairment of assets

Impairment loss determination at the level of CGUs, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment not generating cash inflows that are largely independent of those from CGUs

Level of group of CGUs for goodwill impairment test

Key assumptions used to determine recoverable amounts: value in use (discount rate, perpetual growth rate, expected cash flows), market value (revenue and ebitda multiples for comparable companies or transactions, cash flows)

Assessment of economic and financial environment

Note 10

Income tax

Assumptions used for recognition of deferred tax assets and consequences of tax laws

Notes 12 and 13

Purchases of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets other than goodwill

Useful life of assets assessment

Note 23

Employee benefits

Discount rate, inflation rate, return rate on plan assets, salary increases

Note 23

Share-based payments

Model, assumptions underlying the measurement of fair values: share price of underlying item on grant date, volatility

Note 24

Provisions

Provisions for termination benefits and restructuring: discount rate, plan success rate

Provisions for claims and litigation : assumptions underlying risk assessment and measurement

Note 28

Fair value

Models, selection of parameters



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-22



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NOTE 2 - ACCOUNTING POLICIES


This note describes the accounting policies applied to prepare the 2008 consolidated financial statements.

2.1 Presentation of the consolidated financial statements

Consolidated Income statement

Expenses are presented in the income statement based on their nature.

Operating income corresponds to net income before:

financial income;

financial costs;

income taxes (current and deferred taxes);

net income of discontinued operations or operations held for sale.

The gain or loss of discontinued operations or non-current assets held for sale is reported on a separate line in the income statement.

Consolidated Balance sheet

Current and non-current items are presented separately on the balance sheet: assets and liabilities with a term of no more than twelve months are classified as current; whereas, assets and liabilities with a term of more than twelve months are classified as non-current.

Assets and liabilities held for sale are reported on a separate line under non current items in the consolidated balance sheet.

Consolidated Statement of cash flows

The statement of cash flows is reported using the indirect method from the consolidated net income and is broken down into three categories:

cash flows arising from operating activities;

cash flows arising from investing activities;

cash flows arising from financing activities.

Financial interests and income tax are included in the cash flows arising from operating activities.

On acquisition date, a finance lease has no effect on cash flows since the transaction is non-monetary. Besides, lease payments over the financing period are broken down between interest (cash flows from operating activities) and reimbursement of principal amount (cash flows arising from financing activities).

Consolidated Segment reporting

France Telecom Group’s management structure is based on: (i) business lines (Home, Personal, Enterprise) and (ii) management teams integrated at the country level. Consequently, and in accordance with IAS 14 “Segment Reporting”, the Group has defined the following three business segments as its basis for primary segment reporting:

Personal Communication Services (PCS), covering the mobile telecommunications services activities in France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Poland, and the rest of the world. This segment includes all the Orange subsidiaries, as well as the mobile telephony business of FT España in Spain, TP Group (with its subsidiary PTK Centertel) in Poland, and that of other foreign companies in the Group;

Home Communication Services (HCS), covering fixed telecommunications services activities (fixed telephony, internet services, and services to operators) in France, Poland and the rest of the world, as well as revenues from distribution and from the support functions provided to other segments of the France Telecom Group;

Enterprise Communication Services (ECS), covering business communications solutions and services in France and worldwide.

Each of the segments defined by the Group has its own resources, although they may also share certain resources in the areas of networks and information systems, research and development, distribution networks and other shared competencies.

The use of shared resources is taken into account in segment results based on the terms of contractual agreements between legal entities, or external benchmarks, or by allocating costs among all the segments. The supply of shared resources is included in inter-segment revenues of the service provider, and use of the resources is included in expenses taken into account for the calculation of the service user’s gross operating margin. The cost of shared resources supplied may be affected by changes in regulations and may therefore have an impact on the segment results disclosed from one year to another.

Gross operating margin (GOM) is one of the key measures used by France Telecom internally to i) manage and assess the results of its business segments, ii) make decisions with respect to investments and allocation of resources, and iii) assess the performance of the Group executive management. France Telecom’s management believes that GOM is meaningful for investors because it provides an analysis of its operating results and segment profitability using the same measure used by management. As a consequence and in accordance with IAS 14, paragraph 46, GOM is presented in the analysis by business segment.

GOM is not an explicit measure of financial performance measure under IFRS and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures for other companies. GOM is disclosed as additional information only and should not be considered as an alternative to operating income or an alternative to cash-flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. GOM corresponds to operating income before employee profit sharing, share-based compensation, depreciation and amortization expense, impairment of goodwill and other non-current assets, gains and losses on disposal of assets, restructuring costs and share of profits (losses) of associates.


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-23



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GOM is calculated by excluding:

employee profit sharing and share-based compensation expenses because such expenses are mainly based on either mandatory statutory requirements or depend mainly on the sale of shares by the French State and various shareholders decisions;

depreciation and amortization because such expenses reflect the impact of generally long-term capital investments that cannot be significantly influenced by management in the short-term; and

impairment charges, restructuring costs and gain and losses on disposals of assets because these elements can be both infrequent and material and are by their nature unpredictable in their amount and/or their frequency.

Segment results correspond to operating income, excluding gains and losses on disposals of assets not directly related to the segment concerned.

The Group has six geographic segments, including four main geographic markets (France, the United Kingdom, Poland and Spain), the rest of Europe and the rest of the world.

2.2 Earnings per share

The Group discloses both basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share for continuing operations and discontinued operations. Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income for the year attributable to the equity holders outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share are calculated based on earnings per share attributable to the equity holders of France Telecom S.A., adjusted for the finance cost of dilutive debt instruments and their impact on employee profit-sharing, net of the related tax effect. The number of shares used to calculate diluted earnings per share takes into account the conversion into ordinary shares of potentially dilutive instruments outstanding during the period. When earnings per share are negative, diluted earnings per share are identical to basic earnings per share. In the event of an issuance of shares at a price lower than the market price , and in order to ensure comparability of earnings per share information, the weighted average numbers of shares outstanding from current and previous periods are adjusted. Treasury shares deducted from consolidated equity are not taken into account in the calculation of basic or diluted earnings per share.

2.3 Consolidation rules

Subsidiaries that are controlled exclusively by France Telecom, directly or indirectly, are fully consolidated. Control is deemed to exist when the Group owns more than 50% of the voting rights of an entity or has power:

over more than one half of the voting rights of the other entity by virtue of an agreement;

to govern the financial and operating policies of the other entity under a statute or agreement;

to appoint or remove the majority of the Members of the Board of Directors or equivalent governing body of the other entity; or

to cast the majority of votes at meetings of the Board of Directors or equivalent governing body of the other entity.

Companies that are controlled jointly by France Telecom and a limited number of other shareholders are proportionally consolidated; if these companies have any exclusively controlled, fully consolidated subsidiaries that are not wholly owned, indirect minority interests in these subsidiaries are recognized separately in the France Telecom consolidated financial statements.

Companies over which France Telecom exercises significant influence (generally corresponding to an ownership interest of 20% to 50%) are accounted for using the equity method.

When assessing the level of control or significant influence exercised over a subsidiary or associate, account is taken of the existence and effect of any exercisable or convertible potential voting rights at the balance sheet date.

Material intragroup transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.

2.4 Minority interests

Accounting for acquisition of minority interests is not addressed by IFRSs. The Group has therefore applied French GAAP accounting treatment, which consists in recognizing goodwill as the difference between the acquisition cost of minority interests and the minority interest share in the net equity, without any purchase price allocation.

Transfer of consolidated shares within the Group resulting in changes in ownership interest

IFRSs do not address the accounting treatment for the transfer of consolidated shares within the Group resulting in changes in ownership interest. The Group applies the following accounting policy:

the transferred shares are maintained at historical cost and the gain or loss on the transfer is fully eliminated in the accounts of the acquiring entities;

the minority interests are adjusted to reflect the change in their share in the equity against Group retained earnings, with no impact on profit and loss and equity.

Acquisition of minority interests in exchange for shares in a consolidated entity

IFRSs do not address the accounting treatment for the transfer by minority shareholders of their interests in a consolidated entity of the Group in exchange for shares of another consolidated entity of the Group, nor do they address the accounting treatment of the resulting decrease in ownership interest. The Group has therefore considered the transfer by the minority shareholders as an acquisition of minority interests and the decrease in ownership interest as a disposal, for which the corresponding net gain or loss is recognized in income as incurred.

Commitments to purchase minority interests (put options)

Given the current status of IAS 27 “Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements” and IAS 32 “Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation”, firm or contingent commitments to purchase minority interests are recognized as a financial debt. In the absence of any guidance on this issue from the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC), the Group has opted to book the financial debt against a reduction in minority interests within equity.


Where the amount of the commitment exceeds the amount of the minority interest, the difference is recorded as a reduction in shareholders’ equity attributable to the equity holders of France Telecom S.A.. The fair value of commitments to purchase minority interests is revised at each balance sheet date and the corresponding debt is adjusted with a contra-entry to financial income or expense.


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-24



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2.5 Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates

Translation of financial statements of foreign subsidiaries

The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the euro or the currency of a hyperinflationary economy are translated into euros (France Telecom’s presentation currency) as follows:

assets and liabilities are translated at the year-end rate;

items in the statement of income are translated at the average rate for the year;

the translation adjustment resulting from the use of these different rates is included as a separate component of shareholders’ equity.

Transactions in foreign currencies

Transactions in foreign currencies are converted by the subsidiary into its functional currency at the exchange rate at the transaction date. Monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured at each balance sheet date at the year-end exchange rate and the resulting translation differences are recorded in the income statement:

in operating income for commercial transactions;

in financial income or finance costs for financial transactions.

Both for transactions qualifying for hedge accounting and for economic hedge, change in fair value currency derivatives that can be attributed to changes in exchange rate is accounted for under operating income when the underlying hedged item is a financial transaction and under financial income when the underlying hedged item is a receivable or a financial debt. For cash flow hedge of a highly probable forecast transaction, it is booked in equity and reclassified in profit or loss following the preceding method when the hedged item affects profit or loss.

The foreign exchange risk arising on the net operating cash flows, less purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets and proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets of some entities, may be hedged by the Group. The impact of this hedge is recorded in the operating income.

2.6 Revenues

Revenues from France Telecom activities are recognized and presented as follows, in accordance with IAS 18 “Revenue”:

Separable components of packaged and bundled offers

Numerous service offers on the Group’s main markets include two components: an equipment (e.g. a mobile handset) and a service (e.g. a talk plan). For the sale of multiple products or services, the Group evaluates all deliverables in the arrangement to determine whether they represent separate units of accounting. A delivered item is considered a separate unit of accounting if (i) it has value to the customer on a standalone basis and (ii) there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered item(s).

The total fixed or determinable amount of the arrangement is allocated to the separate units of accounting based on their relative fair value. However, when an amount allocated to a delivered item is contingent upon the delivery of additional items or meeting specified performance conditions, the amount allocated to that delivered item is limited to the non contingent amount. The case arises in the mobile business for sales of bundled offers including a handset and a telecommunications service contract. The handset is considered to have value on a standalone basis to the customer, and there is objective and reliable evidence of fair value for the telecommunications service to be delivered. As the amount allocable to the handset generally exceeds the amount received from the customer at the date the handset is delivered, revenue recognized for the handset sale is generally limited to the amount of th e arrangement that is not contingent upon the rendering of telecommunication services, i.e. the amount paid by the customer for the handset.

For offers that cannot be separated in identifiable components, revenues are recognized in full over the life of the contract. The main example is connection to the service: this does not represent a separately identifiable transaction from the subscription and communications, and connection fees are therefore recognized over the average expected life of the contractual relationship.

Equipment sales

Revenues from equipment sales are recognized when the significant risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to the buyer.

When an equipment – associated to the subscription of telecommunication services - is sold by a third-party retailer who purchases it from the Group and receives a commission for signing up the customer, the related revenue is:

recognized when the equipment is sold to the end-customer;

assessed taking into account the Group’s best estimate of the retail price, taking account of any subsidies granted to the retailer at the time of the sale and passed on to the end-customer in the form of a rebate on the equipment.

Equipment rentals

In accordance with IFRIC 4 “Determining Whether an Arrangement Contains a Lease”, equipment for which a right of use is granted is analyzed in accordance with IAS 17 “Leases”.

Equipment lease revenues are recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease agreement, except in the case of finance leases which are accounted for as sales on credit.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-25



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Content sales

The accounting for revenue sharing arrangements and supply depends on the analysis of the facts and circumstances surrounding these transactions. To determine if the revenue must be recognized on a gross or a net basis, an analysis is performed using the following criteria:

the Group is the primary obligor of the arrangement;

the Group bears inventory risk;

the Group has a reasonable latitude in establishing price with the customer for the service;

the Group has discretion in supplier selection;

the Group is involved in the determination of service specifications; and

the Group bears the credit risk.

Therefore, revenue-sharing arrangements (Audiotel, premium rate number, special numbers, etc.) are recognized:

gross when the Group has a reasonable latitude in setting prices and determining the key features of the content (service or product) sold to the end-customer; and

net of amounts due to the service provider when the latter is responsible for the service and for setting the price to be paid by subscribers.

Similarly, revenues from the sale or supply of content (audio, video, games, etc.) via the Group’s various communications systems (mobile, PC, TV, fixed line, etc.) are recognized:

gross when the Group is deemed to be the primary obligor in the transaction with respect to the end-customer (i.e. when the customer has no specific recourse against the content provider), when the Group bears the inventory risk and has a reasonable latitude in the selection of content providers and in setting prices charged to the end-customer; and

net of amounts due to the content provider when the latter is responsible for supplying the content to the end-customer and for setting the price to subscribers.

Service revenues

Revenues from telephone service and Internet access subscription fees as well as those from the wholesale of access are recognized in revenue on a straight-line basis over the subscription period.

Revenues from charges for incoming and outgoing telephone calls as well as those from the wholesale of traffic are recognized in revenue when the service is rendered.

Revenues from the sale of transmission capacity on terrestrial and submarine cables as well as those from local loop unbundling are recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the contract.

Revenues from Internet advertising are recognized over the period during which the advertisement appears.

Customized contracts

France Telecom offers customized solutions in particular to its business customers. The related contracts are analyzed as multiple-element transactions (including management of the telecommunication network, access, voice and data transmission and migration). The commercial discounts granted under these contracts if certain conditions are fulfilled are recorded as a deduction from revenue based on the specific terms of each contract.

Migration costs incurred by France Telecom under these contracts are recognized in expenses when they are incurred, except in the case of contracts that include an early termination penalty clause.

Promotional offers

Revenues are stated net of discounts. For certain commercial offers where customers are offered a free service over a certain period in exchange for signing up for a fixed period (time-based incentives), the total revenue generated under the contract is spread over the fixed, non-cancellable period.

Penalties

All the Group’s commercial contracts contain service level commitments (delivery time, service reinstatement time). These service level agreements cover commitments given by France Telecom on the order process, the delivery process, and after sales services.

If the Group fails to comply with one of these commitments, it pays compensation to the end-customer, usually in the form of a price reduction which is deducted from revenues. Such penalties are recorded when it becomes probable that they will be due based on the non-achievement of contractual terms.

2.7 Subscriber acquisition and retention costs, loyalty programs and advertising and related cost

Subscriber acquisition and retention costs

Subscriber acquisition and retention costs, other than loyalty programs costs, are recognized as an expense for the period in which they are incurred, that is to say on acquisition or renewal. In some cases, contractual clauses with retailers provide for a profit-sharing based on the recognized and paid revenue: this profit-sharing is expensed when the revenue is recognized.

Loyalty programs

Points awarded to customers are treated as a separable component to be delivered of the transaction that triggered the acquisition of points. Part of the invoiced revenue is allocated to these points based on their fair value taking into account an estimated utilization rate, and deferred until the date on which the points are definitively converted into benefits. Fair value is defined as the excess price over the sales incentive that would be granted to any new customer. This principle is applied for both types of loyalty programs that exist within the Group, those with and those without a contractual renewal obligation.

Advertising and related costs

Advertising, promotion, sponsoring, communication and brand marketing costs are expensed as incurred.


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-26



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2.8 Borrowing costs

The Group does not capitalize interest expense for the period of construction and acquisition of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets.

2.9 Share issuance costs

External costs directly related to share issues are deducted from the related premium (net of any tax savings). Other costs are expenses as incurred.

2.10 Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of shares in consolidated companies, including transaction expenses, over the Group’s corresponding equity in the fair value of the underlying net assets at the date of acquisition. When full control is acquired, goodwill is deemed equal to fair value as established by reference to the market value of the underlying shares, or in the absence of an active market, by using generally accepted valuation methods such as those based on revenues or costs. Assets and liabilities acquired are not remeasured at fair value after an additional purchase when control has already been obtained.

Impairment test and Cash-Generating Units (CGUs)

A CGU is defined as the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets.

Goodwill is not amortized but tested for impairment at least once a year or more frequently when there is an indication that it may be impaired. IAS 36 “Impairment of Assets” requires these tests to be performed at the level of each CGU or groups of CGUs likely to benefit from acquisition-related synergies, within a business or geographical segment. This allocation is reviewed if the Group changes the level at which it monitors return on investment for goodwill testing purposes.

Impairment loss for goodwill is recorded in the income statement as a deduction from operating income and is never reversed subsequently.

Recoverable amount

To determine whether an impairment loss should be recognized, the carrying value of the assets and liabilities of the CGUs or groups of CGUs is compared to their recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of a CGU is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use.

Fair value less costs to sell is the best estimate of the amount obtainable from the sale of a CGU in an arm’s length transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties, less the costs of disposal. This estimate is determined, on November 30, on the basis of available market information including: (i) the discounted present value of future cash flows over a five-year period, plus a terminal value, (ii) revenue and EBITDA multiples for comparable companies adjusted for a control premium, and (iii) revenue and EBITDA for comparable transactions.

Value in use is the present value of the future cash flows expected to be derived from the CGUs or groups of CGUs. Cash flow projections are based on economic and regulatory assumptions, license renewal assumptions and forecast trading conditions drawn up by France Telecom management, as follows:

cash flow projections are based on three to five-year business plans;

cash flow projections beyond that timeframe are extrapolated by applying a declining or flat growth rate over the next two years (for some CGUs), followed by a growth rate to perpetuity reflecting the expected long-term growth in the market;

the cash flows obtained are discounted using appropriate rates for the type of business and the countries concerned.

Net book value of CGUs and group of CGUs

Net book values of CGUs and groups of CGUs tested include goodwill, intangible assets with indefinite useful life arising from business combinations (except for the Orange trademark which is tested separately) and assets with finite useful life (property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and net working capital). Net book values are disclosed at the level of the CGUs and groups of CGUs, i.e. including accounting items related to transactions with other CGUs and groups of CGUs.

2.11 Intangible assets

Intangible assets, consisting mainly of trademarks, subscriber bases, licenses, content rights, indefeasible rights of use, patents, development costs and software, are booked at acquisition or production cost.

When intangible assets are acquired in a business combination, their cost is generally determined in connection with the purchase price allocation based on their respective market value. When their market value is not readily determinable, cost is determined using generally accepted valuation methods based on revenues, costs or other appropriate criteria.

Internally generated trademarks and subscriber bases are not recognized as assets.

Trademarks

Trademarks having an indefinite useful life, such as the Orange trademark, are not amortized but tested for impairment at least annually. Finite-lived trademarks are amortized over their expected useful life.

Subscriber bases

Subscriber bases are amortized over the expected life of the commercial relationship, estimated at between 3 and 7 years.

Licenses

Licenses to operate mobile telephone networks are amortized on a straight-line basis over the license period from the date when the network is technically ready and the service can be marketed. The right to operate a mobile network is recorded in an amount corresponding to the fixed portion of the royalties due when the license was granted. The variable user fee (in France corresponding to 1% of qualifying revenues generated by the second and third generation network) is expensed as incurred.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-27



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Content rights

Library features and distribution rights are recognized at their acquisition cost as intangible assets when the content has been accepted technically and the rights have become valid.

Film co-production rights are accounted for based on the stage of completion of the film.

Content rights are amortized using the film forecast method (i.e. based upon the proportion of the film’s revenues recognized for the period to the film’s total estimated revenues).

Firm purchase commitments relating to content rights are recorded as off-balance sheet items, less any prepayments made, which are recognized as prepaid expenses.

Indefeasible Rights of Use

Indefeasible Rights of Use (IRUs) correspond to the right to use a portion of the capacity of a terrestrial or submarine transmission cable granted for a fixed period. IRUs are recognized as an asset when France Telecom has the specific indefeasible right to use an identified portion of the underlying asset, generally optical fibers or dedicated wavelength bandwidth, and the duration of the right is for the major part of the underlying asset’s economic life. They are depreciated over the shorter of the expected period of use and the life of the contract.

Patents

Patents are amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected period of use, not to exceed 20 years.

Software and research and development costs

The Group’s research and development projects mainly concern:

upgrading the network architecture or functionality;

developing service platforms aimed at offering new services o the Group’s customers.

These projects generally give rise to the development of software that does not form an integral part of the network’s tangible assets within the meaning of IAS 38.


Development costs are recognized as intangible assets when the following conditions are met:

the intention to complete the intangible asset and use or sell it and the ability of adequate technical and financial resources for this purpose;

the probability for the intangible asset to generate future economic benefits for the Group; and

the reliable measurement of the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during its development.

Research costs and development costs not fulfilling the above criteria are expensed as incurred.

Capitalized development costs are presented in the same way as software on the “other intangible assets” line. They are amortized on a straight-line basis over their expected useful life generally not exceeding 3 years.

Software is amortized on a straight-line basis over its expected useful life which does not exceed 5 years.

Other development costs

Website development costs are capitalized when all of the following conditions are met:

it is probable that the website will be successfully developed, the Group has adequate resources (technical, financial and other) and has the intention of and the ability to complete the site and use or sell it;

the website will generate future economic benefits;

the Group has the ability to reliably measure the expenditure attributable to the website during its development.

Expenditure incurred after the website has been completed is recorded as an expense, except where it enables the website to generate future additional economic benefits provided it can be reliably estimated and attributed to the website.


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-28



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2.12 Property, plant and equipment

Cost

The cost of tangible assets corresponds to their purchase or production cost, including costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. It also includes the initial estimate of the costs of dismantling and removing the item and restoring the site on which it is located, representing the obligation incurred by the Group.

The cost of networks includes design and construction costs, as well as capacity improvement costs.

The total cost of an asset is allocated among its different components and each component is accounted for separately, when the components have different useful lives or when the pattern in which their future economic benefits are expected to be consumed by the entity varies. Depreciation is then revised accordingly.

Maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred, except where they serve to increase the asset’s productivity or prolong its useful life.

Finance leases

Assets acquired under leases that transfer the risks and rewards of ownership to France Telecom are recorded as assets and an obligation in the same amount is recorded in liabilities. The risks and rewards of ownership are considered as having been transferred to France Telecom when:

the lease transfers ownership of the asset to the lessee by the end of the lease term;

the Group has the option to purchase the asset at a price that is expected to be sufficiently lower than fair value at the date the option becomes exercisable for it to be reasonably certain, at the inception of the lease, that the option will be exercised;

the lease term is for the major part of the estimated economic life of the leased asset;

at the inception of the lease, the present value of the minimum lease payments amounts to at least substantially all of the fair value of the leased asset.

Most of these agreements relate to network buildings.

Assets leased by France Telecom as lessor under leases that transfer the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee are treated as having been sold.

Satellite capacity

Contracts relating to satellite capacity have been reviewed in light of the criteria set out in IFRIC 4. As no specific assets have been identified, these contracts have been classified as services.

Government grants

France Telecom may receive non-repayable government grants in the form of direct or indirect funding of capital projects, mainly provided by local and regional authorities. These grants are deducted from the cost of the related assets and recognized in the income statement, based on the pattern in which the related asset’s expected future economic benefits are consumed.

Depreciation

Property, plant and equipment are depreciated to write off their cost less any residual value on a basis that reflects the pattern in which their future economic benefits are expected to be consumed. Therefore, the straight-line basis is usually applied over the following estimated useful lives:

Buildings and leasehold improvements

10 to 30 years

Switching, transmission and other network

Equipment

5 to 10 years

Cables and civil works

15 to 30 years

Computer hardware

3 to 5 years

Other

3 to 14 years

These useful lives are reviewed annually and are adjusted if current estimated useful lives are different from previous estimates. These changes in accounting estimates are recognized prospectively.


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-29



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2.13 Impairment of non-current assets other than goodwill and trademarks

In the case of a decline in the recoverable amount of an item of property, plant and equipment or an intangible asset to below its net book value, due to events or circumstances occurring during the period (such as obsolescence, physical damage, significant changes to the manner in which the asset is used, worse than expected economic performance, a drop in revenues or other external indicators) an impairment loss is recognized.

The recoverable amount of an asset is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use, assessed by the discounted cash flows method, based on management’s best estimate of the set of economic conditions.

The impairment loss recognized is equal to the difference between the net book value and the recoverable amount.

Given the nature of its assets and activities, most of France Telecom’s individual assets do not generate independent cash flows that are independent of those from CGUs. The recoverable amount is then determined at the level of the CGU to which the asset belongs, except where:

The fair value less costs to sell of the individual asset is higher than its book value; or

The value in use of the asset can be estimated as being close to its fair value less costs to sell, where fair value can be reliably determined.

2.14 Interests in associates

The carrying amount of investment in associates corresponds to the initial cost increased to recognize the investor’s share of the profit or loss of the investee after the date of acquisition. In case of losses and after the carrying amount of investment is reduced to zero, the Group ceases to recognize the additional share of losses since it is not committed beyond its investment.

An impairment test is performed when there is objective evidence of impairment, as for instance a decrease in quoted price when the investee is listed, significant financial difficulty of the investee, observable data indicating that there is a measurable decrease in the estimated future cash flows, information about significant changes with an adverse effect over the investee.

An impairment loss is recorded when the recoverable amount becomes lower to the carrying amount, recoverable amount being the higher of value in use and fair value less costs to sell (see note 2.10). Impairment loss can be reversed when the recoverable amount exceeds the carrying amount again.

2.15 Financial assets and liabilities

Financial assets and liabilities are recognized initially at fair value. They are subsequently measured either at fair value or amortized cost using the effective interest method, in accordance with the IAS 39 category they belong to.

The effective interest rate is the rate that discounts estimated future cash payments through the expected contractual term, or the most probable expected term of the financial instrument, to the net carrying amount of the financial liability. This calculation includes all fees and points paid or received between parties to the contract.

Recognition and measurement of financial assets

France Telecom does not hold any financial assets qualifying as held-to-maturity assets.

Available-for-sale assets

Available-for-sale assets consist mainly of shares in non-consolidated companies, marketable securities that do not fulfill the criteria for classification in any of the other categories of financial assets, and certain assets related to in-substance defeasance transactions and cross-border leases (Qualified Technological Equipment (QTE) leases). They are recognized and subsequently measured at fair value. Fair value corresponds to quoted price for listed securities or, for non-listed securities, a valuation technique determined according to the most appropriate financial criteria in each case (comparable transactions, multiples for comparable companies, discounted present value of future cash flows).

Temporary changes in value are booked as “Gains (losses) on financial assets available-for-sale” within equity.

When there is an objective evidence that available-for-sale assets are impaired, the cumulative impairment loss included in equity is reclassified from equity to income.

Loans and receivables

This category mainly includes trade receivables, cash, some cash collateral, as well as other loans and receivables. These instruments are recognized at fair value upon origination and are subsequently measured at amortized cost by the effective interest method. Short-term receivables with no stated interest rate are measured at original invoice amount unless there is any significant impact resulting from the application of an implicit interest rate.

If there is any objective evidence of impairment of these assets, the value of the asset is reviewed at each balance sheet date. An impairment is recognized in the income statement when the financial asset carrying amount is higher than its recoverable amount.

Impairment of trade receivables is based on two methods:

a statistical method: it is based on historical losses and leads to a separate impairment rate for each ageing balance category. This analysis is performed over an homogenous group of receivables, with similar credit characteristics because they belong to a customer category (mass-market, small offices and home offices). This method is used for Home and Personal Communication Services;

a stand-alone method: the assessment of impairment probability and its amount are based on a set of relevant factors (ageing of late payment, other balance sheet positions with the counterpart, rating from independent agencies, geographical area). This method is used for carriers and operators (domestic and international, local, regional and national authorities) and for large accounts of Enterprise Communication Services.

Impairment losses identified for a group of receivables represent the intermediate step preceding impairment identification for individual receivables. When information is available (clients in bankruptcy or subject to equivalent judicial proceedings), these receivables are then excluded from the statistical database and individually impaired.


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-30



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Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are:

assets held for trading that the Group acquired principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term;

assets that form a part of a portfolio of identified financial instruments that are managed together and for which there is evidence of a recent actual pattern of short-term profit taking;

derivative assets not qualifying for hedge accounting;

assets voluntarily classified at inception in this category because:

this classification allows to eliminate or significantly reduce a measurement or recognition inconsistency regarding recognition of assets or liabilities linked together, that would otherwise be assessed differently (for instance, a financial asset measured at fair value, linked to a financial liability measured at amortized cost);

a group of financial assets, financial liabilities or both is managed and its performance is valued on a fair value basis, in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy, and information about this group of financial instruments is provided internally on that basis to the Group’s key management personnel;

the entity decides not to separate from the host contract a separable embedded derivative. It should then assess the entire hybrid instrument at its fair value.

France Telecom can designate as at fair value at inception cash and cash equivalents with high liquidity and low volatility investments such as negotiable debt securities, deposits, mutual funds (OPCVM). These investments can be classified as cash equivalent on the balance sheet if they meet the conditions required by the French Securities Regulator (AMF) (assets easily convertible into a determined cash amount and subject to a remote risk of change in value).

Recognition and measurement of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities at amortized cost

With the exception of financial liabilities at fair value, borrowings and other financial liabilities are recognized upon origination at fair value of the sums paid or received in exchange for the liability, and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Interest-free payables are booked at their nominal value.

Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of the financial liability are deducted from the liability’s carrying value. The costs are subsequently amortized over the life of the debt, by the effective interest method.

Within France Telecom Group, some financial liabilities at amortized cost, including borrowings, are subject to hedge accounting. It relates mostly to fix rate borrowings hedged against changes in interest rate and currency value (fair value hedge) and to foreign currency borrowings in order to hedge to future cash flows against changes in currency value (cash flow hedge).

Compound instruments

Certain financial instruments comprise both a liability component and an equity component. For the France Telecom Group, they comprise perpetual bonds redeemable for shares (TDIRA) and bonds convertible into or exchangeable for new or existing shares (OCEANE).


On initial recognition, the fair value of the liability component is the present value of the contractually determined stream of future cash flows discounted at the rate of interest applied at that time by the market to instruments of comparable credit status and providing substantially the same cash flows, on the same terms, but without the conversion option.

The equity component is assigned to the residual amount after deducting from the fair value of the instrument as a whole the amount separately determined for the liability component.

The equity component determined at initial recognition is not subsequently remeasured.

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

The abovementioned comments relating to financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are applicable to the financial liabilities of identical nature.

Recognition and measurement of derivative instruments

Derivative instruments are measured at fair value in the balance sheet and presented according to their maturity date, whether or not they qualify for hedge accounting under IAS 39.

Derivatives are classified as financial assets or liabilities through profit or loss or as a separate line item on the face of the balance sheet when they qualify for hedge accounting.

Hedge accounting is applicable when:

at the inception of the hedge, there is a formal designation and documentation of the hedging relationship;

at the inception of the hedge and in subsequent periods, the hedge is expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows attributable to the hedged risk during the period for which the hedge is designated (i.e. the actual results of the hedge are within a range of 80-125%).


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-31



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Hedge accounting can be done in three different ways:

the fair value hedge is a hedge of the exposure to changes in fair value of a recognized asset or liability (or an identified portion of the asset or liability) that are attributable to a particular interest rate and/or currency risk and could affect profit or loss.

Hedged portion of these items is remeasured at fair value. Change in this fair value is booked in profit or loss and balanced by the symmetrical changes in the hedging financial instruments fair value up to the limit of the hedge effectiveness.

the cash flow hedge is a hedge of the exposure to variability in cash flows that is attributable to a particular interest rate and/or currency risk associated with a recognized asset or liability or a highly probable forecast transaction (such as a future purchase or sale) and could affect profit or loss

The hedged item being not recognized, the effective portion of change in fair value of the hedging instrument is booked in equity. The amounts recorded in equity are reclassified in profit or loss when the hedged item affects the profit or loss.

the net investment hedge is a hedge of the exposure to changes in values attributable to exchange risk of a net investment in a foreign operation and could affect profit or loss on the disposal of the foreign operation.

The effective portion of the net investment hedge is recorded in equity. The amounts booked in equity are reclassified in profit or loss on the disposal of the net investment.

Hedge accounting can be terminated in the following circumstances:

hedged item derecognition: amounts booked in equity are reclassified in profit or loss;

voluntary revocation: amounts booked in equity are reclassified in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the residual term of the underlying item.

In both cases, subsequent changes in value are recorded in profit or loss.

2.16 Broadcasting rights and equipment inventories

Network maintenance equipment and equipment to be sold to customers are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, taking into account expected revenues from the sale of packages comprising a mobile handset and a subscription. Cost corresponds to purchase or production cost determined by the weighted average cost method.

Film or sports broadcasting rights are recognized on the balance sheet when they are available for exhibition and expensed when broadcast.

2.17 Deferred taxes

Deferred taxes are recognized for all temporary differences between the book values of assets and liabilities and their tax basis, as well as for unused tax losses, using the liability method. Deferred tax assets are recognized only when their recovery is considered probable.

A deferred tax liability is recognized for all taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, branches and associates, and interests in joint ventures, except to the extent that both of the following conditions are satisfied:

the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference (e.g. the payment of dividends); and

it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Accordingly, for fully and proportionally consolidated companies, a deferred tax liability is only recognized in the amount of the taxes payable on planned dividend distributions by these companies.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not discounted.

At each period end, France Telecom reviews the recoverable amount of the deferred tax assets carried by certain tax entities with significant tax loss carryforwards.

Deferred tax assets arising on these tax losses are not recognized under certain circumstances specific to each company/tax consolidation group concerned, and particularly where:

entities cannot assess the probability of the tax loss carryforwards being set off against future taxable profits, due to forecasts horizon and uncertainties as to the economic environment;

entities have not yet begun to use the tax loss carryforwards;

entities do not expect to use the losses within the timeframe allowed by tax regulations;

tax losses are uncertain to be used due to risks of differing interpretations with regard to the application of tax legislation.


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-32



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2.18 Provisions

A provision is recognized when the Group has a present obligation towards a third party and it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation.

The obligation may be legal, regulatory or contractual or it may represent a constructive obligation deriving from the Group’s actions where, by an established pattern of past practice, published policies creating a valid expectation on the part of other parties that the Group will discharge certain responsibilities.

The estimate of the amount of the provision corresponds to the expenditure likely to be incurred by the Group to settle its obligation. If a reliable estimate cannot be made of the amount of the obligation, no provision is recorded and the obligation is deemed to be a contingent liability.

Contingent liabilities are disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. They correspond to:

probable obligations that are not recognized because their existence will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the Group’s control; or

present obligations arising from past events that are not recognized because it is not probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation or because the amount of the obligation cannot be measured with sufficient reliability.


Restructuring

Provisions for restructuring costs are recognized only when the restructuring has been announced and the Group has drawn up or has started to implement a detailed formal plan, prior to the balance sheet date.

Provisions for dismantling and restoring sites

The Group is required to dismantle equipment and restore sites. The provision is based on the best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation. It is discounted by applying a discount rate that reflects the passage of time, based on market yields on high quality corporate bonds (or on government bonds when no corporate bond). This estimate is yearly revised and adjusted where appropriate against the asset to which it relates.

Provisions for the treatment of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment

European Directive 2002/96/EC as amended by Directive 2003/108/EC distinguishes the waste of electrical and electronic equipment between the users (private households or professional) and between the responsibility of the market participants before and after August 13, 2005. The Group believes that its obligations principally involve equipment used for its own needs (network equipment, information systems equipment, etc.). In accordance with this Directive, the France Telecom Group has adopted the following principles:

obligations relating to collection, treatment and recovery of waste electrical and electronic equipment related to the professional use and produced before August 13, 2005 are accrued for. The related liability is booked against the recognition of a tangible asset and is valued using an estimated volume to be recycled and an average cost per ton, and discounted as it will be settled at a future date;

obligations relating to waste of electrical and electronic equipment related to the private households use before August 13, 2005, as well as those related to waste of electrical and electronic equipment attached to private households and professional use after August 13, 2005 have been considered as immaterial by the Group and have not therefore been accrued for.

2.19 Employee benefits

Post-employment benefits and other long-term benefits

Depending on the laws and practices in force in the countries where it operates, the Group has obligations in terms of employee benefits, among others:

civil servant’s pension plans in France: civil servants employed by France Telecom are covered by the government-sponsored civil and military pension plans, France Telecom’s obligation under these plans is limited to the payment of annual contributions (Act no. 96-660 dated July 26, 1996). Consequently, France Telecom has no obligation to fund future deficits of the pension plans covering its own civil servant employees or any other civil service plans.

retirement bonuses and other similar benefits: under the laws of some countries, employees are entitled to certain lump-sum payments or bonuses either on retirement or subsequent to retirement, depending on their years of service and end-of-career salary.

benefits other than pensions: France Telecom offers retired employees certain benefits such as free telephone lines and coverage of certain healthcare.

These employee benefits are granted through:

defined contribution plans: the contributions payable are expensed when service is rendered; or

defined benefit plans: obligations under these plans are measured using the projected unit credit method:

their calculation is based on demographic (staff turnover, mortality, …) and financial assumptions (salary increase, inflation rate, etc.) defined at the level of each entity concerned and is discounted;

the discount rate is defined by country or geographical area and by reference to market yields on high quality corporate bonds (or government bonds where no active market exists);

actuarial gains and losses on defined benefit plans are booked in profit or loss using the corridor method (recognition of a specified portion of the net cumulative actuarial gains and losses that exceed 10% of the greater of (i) the present value of the defined benefit obligation; and (ii) the fair value of plan assets, over the average expected remaining working lives of the employees participating in the plan), contrary to those relating to other long-term benefits (seniority awards, long-term compensated absences, etc.) which are booked in profit and loss when they are incurred;

the Group’s defined benefit plans are generally not financed. In the rare cases where they are, hedging assets are measured at their fair value. Most of these assets being listed securities, fair value is determined by reference to quoted price.

Termination benefits


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-33



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France Telecom set up an early retirement plan for civil servants and contract-based employees in France from 1996 to 2006. These employees receive 70% of their salary between the age of 55 and 60. This benefit is accounted for in the same way as lump-sum benefits payable on termination of service: a provision is recognized for the obligation.

Any other termination benefits are also covered by provisions. For all commitments where termination of employment contracts would trigger payment of an indemnity, actuarial gains and losses are recognized in profit or loss for the period when the assumptions are revised.

Individual training rights for employees (Droit Individuel à la Formation - DIF)

The Group has applied French GAAP (opinion 2004-F of CNC’s Comité d’urgence (Emerging Accounting Issues Committee)) to account for employees’ statutory training rights. Any expenditure incurred in this respect is recorded as a current expense and no provision is recognized. The credit of training hours is disclosed.

In the limited number of cases (request for individual training leave, redundancy or resignation) where these costs cannot be considered as remuneration of future services, the resulting short-term obligation is provided for as soon as its settlement becomes probable or certain.

2.20 Share-based compensation

The fair value of stock-options, employee shareholding plans and bonus shares concerning the shares of France Telecom or its subsidiaries is determined on the grant date.

The Group assumes that the grant date is the date when the main terms of the offer are announced to the employees, in accordance with the CNC communication dated December 21, 2004 on employee share ownership plans (Plans d’Epargne Entreprise - PEE ).

If applicable, a non-transferability discount is estimated by valuing the cost of a hedging strategy combining the forward sale of the non-transferable shares and the purchase of an equivalent number of transferable shares for cash, financed by borrowings, using a valuation model based on market data.

Employee shareholding plan

Following the sale by the State of a portion of France Telecom’s capital, preferred subscription rights must be awarded to the Group’s current and former employees, in accordance with Article 11 of the 1986 French Privatization Act.

Compensation cost is estimated based on fair value at grant date of the shares awarded. As no vesting period applies, the amount is expensed directly against equity.

Other share-based payments

The fair value of stock-options and bonus shares is generally determined by reference to the exercise price, the life of the option, the current price of the underlying shares at the grant date, the expected share price volatility, expected dividends and the risk-free interest rate over the options’ life. Vesting conditions other than market conditions are not part of the fair value assessment but of the grant assumptions.


The amount so determined is recognized in labor expenses on a straight-line basis over the vesting period against:

employee benefit liabilities for cash-settled plans, revalued against profit or loss at each year-end ; and

equity for equity-settled plans.

2.21 Treasury shares

Treasury shares are recorded as a deduction from equity, at cost. When shares are sold out of treasury shares, the resulting profit or loss is recorded in equity net of tax.


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-34



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NOTE 3 - MAIN ACQUISITIONS, DISPOSALS OF COMPANIES AND CHANGES IN SCOPE OF CONSOLIDATION

Year ended December 31, 2008

MAIN ACQUISITIONS

FT España

During 2008, through successive purchases, France Telecom acquired an additional 2.3% stake in FT España from the minority shareholders for a total of 169 million euros, thereby increasing its shareholding to 81.6%.

Orange Uganda

On October 17, 2008, France Telecom and Hits Telecom Uganda created Orange Uganda Limited to provide telecommunication services in Uganda under the Orange brand. France Telecom paid a total cash consideration of 95 million  US dollars (71 million euros). Of this, 50 million  US  dollars (40 million euros) was paid on December 31, 2008 and the balance is payable in 2009. Hits Telecom Uganda transferred its license and its main telecom assets.

France Telecom controls Orange Uganda Limited with a 53% ownership interest. No goodwill was recognized on this transaction since Orange Uganda Limited is a new entity and the transfer of assets were made at fair value.

Compagnie Européenne de Téléphonie (CET)

On January 15, 2008, France Telecom subscribed to CET group’s increase in capital (CET owns Photo Station and Photo Service), in consideration for 35% of the CET group's share capital. On November 14, 2008, France Telecom acquired an additional 13.5% of the share capital, thereby increasing its interest ownership to 48.5%. The total consideration of this investment was 68 million euros, including 36 million euros of offset receivables. As the other shareholders control the CET group, France Telecom accounts for its investment under the equity method.

OTHER CHANGES IN THE SCOPE OF CONSOLIDATION

Telkom Kenya

On December 21, 2007, the consortium formed between France Telecom (78.5%) and Alcazar Capital Limited (21.5%) acquired a 51% stake in Telkom Kenya Limited. The consideration paid by the Group amounted to 270 million euros. In 2008, the entity was consolidated by the Group, which identified the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed.


Breakdown of assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

(in millions of euros)

Historical cost at

December 31, 2007

Allocation of

 purchase price

Fair value at

December 31, 2007

Other intangible assets

o/w brand

o/w subscriber bases

o/w favorable contracts

38

81

5

44

32

119

Property, plant and equipment

64

 

64

Other non-current assets

7

 

7

Total non-current assets

109

81

190

Trade receivables, net

91

 

91

Current assets

18

 

18

Cash and cash equivalents

5

 

5

Other current assets

109

 

109

Total current assets

223

 

223

Non-current financial liabilities at amortized cost excluding trade payables

(7)

 

(7)

Non-current employee benefits

(11)

 

(11)

Deferred tax liabilities

(0)

(24)

(24)

Total non-current liabilities

(18)

(24)

(42)

Current trade payables

(92)

 

(92)

Current employee benefits

(113)

 

(113)

Other current liabilities

(55)

 

(55)

Total current liabilities

(260)

 

(260)

Net assets acquired

53

57

110

Assets and liabilities attributable to minority interests

(26)

(28)

(54)

Net assets acquired attributable to equity holders of France Telecom S.A. (A)

27

29

56

Goodwill (B)

  

216

Purchase price consideration (A) + (B)

  

272 (1)

(1)

Including 2 million euros of direct costs attributable to the acquisition.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-35



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The brand was measured using the relief from royalty methodology, based on the present value of royalties that would have been paid to a third party for the use of the brand had the Group not owned it.

Subscriber bases were measured using the future cash flows generated by existing customers at the acquisition date. They are amortized over 14 years.

Contracts concluded on favorable conditions relating to emphyteotic land leases with the Kenyan government, were measured at fair value, that is, the difference between rental fees effectively paid to the Kenyan government and the rental fees that the company would have paid under normal market conditions. These assets are amortized over 70 years.

The acquisition of Telkom Kenya resulted in recognition of residual goodwill of 216 million euros, mainly attributable to the planned launch of mobile operations in Kenya and to synergies between the fixed-line and mobile businesses.

Telkom Kenya generated revenues of 107 million euros over the full year 2008. France Telecom's consolidated net income for the year ended December 31, 2008 includes Telkom Kenya's net income, which was (97) million euros including (3) million euros of amortization of identified acquired assets (net of deferred taxes reversals) and (57) million euros of goodwill impairment (see Note 6).

Increase of ownership interest in Mobistar

During the first half of 2008, Mobistar purchased 2.0% of its own shares for a total of 74 million euros. France Telecom's interest in Mobistar therefore rose from 50.2% to 51.2%. Goodwill relating to this transaction amounted to 28 million euros. In addition, in May 2008, Mobistar reduced its capital by an amount of 248 millions euros. This operation, without effect on France Telecom's percentage interest in Mobistar, results in a decrease of minority interests by an amount of 120 million euros.

During the second half of 2008, through a second share buyback program, Mobistar purchased 3.2% of its own shares for a total of 101 million euros. France Telecom's interest in Mobistar, as e result rose from 51.2% to 52.9%. Goodwill relating to this transaction amounted to 43 million euros.

Increase of ownership interest in TP Group

During the second half of 2008, TP S.A. purchased 2.4% of its own shares for a total of 200 million euros. France Telecom's interest in TP S.A. therefore rose from 48.6% to 49.8%. Goodwill relating to this transaction amounted to 39 million euros.


Year ended December 31, 2007

MAIN ACQUISITIONS

Telkom Kenya

On December 21, 2007, the consortium formed between France Telecom (78.5%) and Alcazar Capital Limited (21.5%) acquired a 51% stake in Telkom Kenya, the historical Kenyan telecom operator, for a total consideration of 270 million euros. Telkom Kenya, which has 280,000 fixed-line customers, has been granted a new mobile license.

At December 31, 2007, the investment in Telkom Kenya was presented under Non-consolidated investments (see Note 15).

Ya.com

On July 31, 2007, France Telecom acquired the entire share capital of T-Online Telecommunications Spain (now called FT España ISP) from Deutsche Telekom for a total cash consideration of 150 million euros. FT España ISP is Spain's third broadband operator and trades under the name Ya.com.

Goodwill relating to this transaction amounted to 125 million euros, after recognizing 76 million euros of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed, mainly subscriber bases (see Note 11). Taking account of the intercompany loans acquired from the former shareholder and the cash acquired, the net cash out was 319 million euros.

Orange Moldova

On July 2, 2007, France Telecom indirectly acquired, for a cash consideration of 103 million euros, an additional stake in Orange Moldova, bringing its total stake to 94.3%. Goodwill relating to this transaction amounted to 85 million euros.

VOXmobile

On July 2, 2007, Mobistar, which is 50.17% owned by France Telecom, acquired 90% of Luxembourg mobile operator VOXmobile for a cash consideration of 80 million euros. After analysis of the agreements between the parties regarding the remaining 10% interest, France Telecom was deemed to have acquired 100% of VOXmobile. Goodwill relating to the transaction amounted to 71 million euros, after recognizing 11 million euros of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

Acquisition of Groupe Silicomp

On January 4, 2007, France Telecom acquired a controlling block of approximately 54% of the capital of Groupe Silicomp, a company listed on Eurolist by Euronext Paris S.A., for a cash consideration of 50 million euros. Groupe Silicomp provides services in consulting, creation of software, and development and implementation of network infrastructures. Pursuant to the standing market offer (garantie de cours) launched from February 7 through February 27, 2007 at a price per share equal to the price paid for the controlling block, France Telecom acquired an additional 36.5% stake of Groupe Silicomp for 43 million euros. At December 31, 2007, France Telecom owned 96.1% of the shares. Goodwill relating to the transaction amounted to 70 million euros, after recognizing identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Taking account of the cash acquired, the net cash out of the acquisition amount ed to 96 million euros.

MAIN DISPOSALS

Sale of Orange's Dutch mobile and internet businesses

On October 1, 2007, France Telecom sold its Dutch mobile and internet subsidiaries to Deutsche Telekom for a total of 1,317 million euros, net of disposal costs. The net gain on disposal before tax was 299 million euros (see Note 7). Taking account of the cash sold, the net proceeds amounted to 1,306 million euros.

Sale of the shareholding in Bluebirds

In 2007, pursuant to the disposal by Bluebirds of its interest in Eutelsat Communications, France Telecom received 110 million euros in February 2007 and disposed of all its interests in Bluebirds in May 2007. The net gain on disposal before tax was 104 million euros (see Note 7).


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OTHER CHANGES IN THE SCOPE OF CONSOLIDATION

One

On October 2, 2007, the consortium formed between the investment fund Mid Europa Partners and France Telecom acquired the entire share capital of One GmbH for an enterprise value of 1.4 billion euros. The amount received by France Telecom for the sale of its 17.5% interest in One GmbH and the reimbursement of its shareholder's loan will be partially reinvested in order to obtain an indirect 35% stake in One GmbH.

The proceeds of this transaction amounted to 36 million euros, net of costs (see Notes 7 and 14). The transaction had a net positive effect of 82 million euros on cash flow.

Increase of ownership interest in TP Group

During 2007, TP S.A. purchased 2% of its own shares for a total of 185 million euros. As a result, France Telecom's ownership interest in TP S.A. rose from 47.5% to 48.6%. Goodwill relating to this transaction amounted to 37 million euros.


Year ended December 31, 2006

MAIN ACQUISITIONS

Acquisition of Groupe Diwan shares

In July 2006, France Telecom Group acquired a controlling block of approximately 72% of the capital of Groupe Diwan for a cash consideration of 28.2 million euros. Groupe Diwan, an integration company specializing in systems, networks and telecoms infrastructure management and security, is listed on Alternext stock exchange. In accordance with Alternext rules and the General Regulation of the French stock market regulatory authority (Autorité des Marchés Financiers - AMF), France Telecom Group made a standing market offer (garantie de cours) to Groupe Diwan shareholders at a price per share equal to the price paid by the Group for the controlling block. Subsequently France Telecom Group made a buyout offer for the remaining shares. Pursuant to these transactions, which took place in November and December 2006, France Telecom Group acquired an additional interest of 27.51% for 11 million eu ros and owns 99.51% of Groupe Diwan. The company has since been delisted.

Goodwill relating to this transaction amounted to 47 million euros.

Acquisition of an additional interest in Jordan Telecommunications Company (JTC)

On April 4, 2006, France Telecom acquired an additional 12% interest in Jitco from Arab Bank for a cash consideration of 60 million euros. Pursuant to this transaction, France Telecom owns 100% of Jitco, holding company of Jordan Telecommunications Company (JTC), the historical telecoms operator in Jordan. Goodwill relating to this transaction amounted to 20 million euros.

On July 5 and November 30, 2006, France Telecom successively acquired 10% and then 1% less one share of JTC, company consolidated using the proportionate consolidation, from the Jordanian government for a cash consideration of 145 million euros. Pursuant to these transactions, France Telecom owns 51% less one share of JTC. By virtue of amendments made to the shareholders' agreement with the Jordanian government, France Telecom controls and therefore fully consolidates JTC from July 5, 2006. Goodwill relating to these two transactions amounted to 85 million euros.

Remeasurement of the assets and liabilities of JTC led to the recognition of trademarks for 14 million euros, licenses for 8 million euros, subscriber bases for 169 million euros and related deferred tax liabilities for 48 million euros.

Including the minority interests, these transactions had a positive effect on equity of 280 million euros, of which 59 million euros on equity attributable to equity holders of France Telecom S.A.

The change in the consolidation method for Jordan Telecommunications Company resulted in an increase in net cash of 137 million euros.

Acquisition of an additional interest in Amena and effects of the merger between the Spanish entities

In March 2006, in accordance with the undertakings made in November 2005 upon the acquisition of 79.4% of Auna, France Telecom acquired an additional 0.61% interest in Auna (now France Telecom Operadores de Telecomunicaciones SA (FTOT)) from the minority shareholders for a cash consideration of 49 million euros, raising its shareholding to 80%. In addition, FTOT acquired an additional 1.4% interest in Retevision Movil SA (Amena), for a cash consideration of 106 million euros, raising its shareholding to 99.3%. The additional goodwill arising on these transactions amounted to 92 million euros.

In May and July 2006, France Telecom received 124 million euros pursuant to the purchase price adjustment provisions. These price adjustments were recorded as a deduction from goodwill.

On July 31, 2006, in accordance with the undertakings made in November 2005, FT España, FTOT and Amena merged into FT España. The minority shareholders of FTOT and Amena received shares in FT España in exchange for their interests. After the merger, France Telecom's ownership interest in FT España is 79.29%. As IASs/IFRSs do not specifically address this type of transaction with minority shareholders nor the resulting decrease in ownership interest, France Telecom applied the accounting treatment described in Note 2.4. The merger was treated as an acquisition of the minority interests in FTOT and Amena followed by the disposal of 20.71% of FT España. Goodwill arising on the acquisition of the minority interests in FTOT and Amena amounted to 1,126 million euros. The disposal of 20.71% of FT España resulted in a gain of 129 million euros. Due to the preemption right and c all option held by France Telecom over these minority interests, the gain was deferred and recorded in Other non-current liabilities at December 31, 2006.

Pursuant to the merger, certain assets recognized in the consolidated financial statements upon the acquisition of Auna in November 2005 became tax deductible. Consequently, the deferred tax liabilities recognized at the time of the acquisition in connection with these assets were reversed, of which 709 million were reversed against goodwill.

Following these transactions, goodwill amounted to 4,840 million euros at December 31, 2006.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-37



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MAIN DISPOSALS

Disposal of France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications (FTMSC)

On October 31, 2006, France Telecom sold its entire shareholding in FTMSC to Apax Partners France for an amount of 52 million euros net of disposal costs. At December 31, 2006, the gain on disposal before tax amounted to 10 million euros.


Disposal of PagesJaunes Group

On October 11, 2006, France Telecom disposed of its 54% shareholding in PagesJaunes Group to Médiannuaire, a subsidiary of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co Ltd (KKR) for an amount of 3,287 million euros net of disposal costs. At December 31, 2006, the gain on disposal before tax amounted to 2,983 million euros. After the repayment of intercompany loans and impact of the cash sold, the net proceeds amounted to 2,697 million euros.

PagesJaunes Group is presented in the financial statements as a discontinued operation. The net result of the operations of PagesJaunes and net gains on disposal are reported under net income of discontinued operations.

The main aggregates comprising net income of discontinued operations for the period ended December 31, 2006 are as follows:

 

Year ended

(in millions of euros) (1)

December 31, 2006

Revenues

822

Operating income

339

Finance costs, net

11

Income tax

(122)

Net income generated by PagesJaunes

228

Gain on disposal of PagesJaunes, before tax

2,983

Tax

-

Gain on disposal of PagesJaunes, after tax

2,983

Net income of discontinued operations

3,211

(1)

Corresponds to the net result of the operations of PagesJaunes until the disposal date.

Net cash flows relating to PagesJaunes for the year ended December 31, 2006 are as follows:

 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2006

Net cash provided by operating activities

275

Net cash provided by or used in investing activities (1)

2

Net cash used in financing activities

(280)

(1)

Including investments in property, plant & equipment and intangible assets of 24 million euros in 2006.


Disposal of Ypso shares

In January 2006, France Telecom disposed of its 20% shareholding in Ypso, a cable network operator, for 44 million euros. The gain on disposal before tax amounted to 84 million euros.




2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-38



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NOTE 4 - REVENUES

 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

December 31, 2006

Personal Communication Services (a)

29,477

29,119

27,745

France

10,516

9,998

9,882

United Kingdom

5,689

6,217

5,874

Spain

3,382

3,404

3,353

Poland

2,464

2,133

1,934

Other

7,573

7,550

6,920

Intra-segment eliminations

(147)

(183)

(218)

Home Communication Services (b)

22,951

22,671

22,487

France

18,071

17,957

17,657

Poland

2,995

2,886

3,048

Other

2,214

2,100

2,005

Intra-segment eliminations

(329)

(272)

(223)

Enterprise Communication Services (c)

7,778

7,721

7,652

Business network legacy

3,443

3,648

4,063

Advanced business network services

2,054

1,964

1,879

Integration and outsourcing of extended business services

1,349

1,139

836

Other business services

932

970

874

Inter-segment eliminations (d)

(6,718)

(6,552)

(6,182)

Total (a)+(b)+(c)+(d)

53,488

52,959

51,702

France Telecom generates substantially all of its revenues from services.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-39



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NOTE 5 - OPERATING INCOME AND EXPENSES

5.1 Labor expenses

 

Year ended

(in millions of euros )

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

December 31, 2006

Average number of employees (1) (full-time equivalents) (unaudited)

182,793

183,799

189,028

Wages and employee benefit expenses

(8,559)

(8,767)

(8,592)

o/w 

- Wages and salaries

(6,381)

(6,518)

(6,460)

 

- Social security charges

(2,125)

(2,170)

(2,157)

 

- Capitalized costs (2)

606

575

547

 

- Other labor expenses (3)

(659)

(654)

(522)

Employee profit sharing

(319)

(359)

(346)

Share-based compensation (4)

(82)

(279)

(30)

o/w 

- Free Share Award plans

(57)

(149)

-

 

- Stock option plans

(25)

(23)

(30)

 

- Employee Shareholding Plan

-

(107)

-

Total labor expenses

(8,960)

(9,405)

(8,968)

(1)

Of whom approximately 36.6% are French civil servants at December 31, 2008 compared with 38.2% at December 31, 2007.

(2)

Capitalized labor expenses correspond to labor expenses included in the cost of assets produced by the Group.

(3)

Other labor expenses comprise other short-term allowances and benefits and payroll taxes.

(4)

See Note 26.

5.2 External purchases

External purchases comprise:

commercial expenses, which include purchases of handsets and other products sold, retail fees and commissions, and advertising, promotional, sponsoring and rebranding costs;

service fees and inter-operator costs;

other network charges and IT charges, which include outsourcing fees relating to technical operation and maintenance and IT;

other external purchases, which include overheads, real estate fees, purchases of equipment and call center outsourcing fees, net of capitalized goods and services costs.


 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

December 31, 2006

Commercial expenses (1)

(8,329)

(8,082)

(7,780)

Service fees and inter-operator costs

(7,979)

(7,895)

(8,053)

Other network charges, IT charges

(2,916)

(2,822)

(2,652)

Other external purchases

(4,428)

(4,357)

(4,324)

 o/w rental expenses

(1,253)

(1,260)

(1,270)

Total external purchases

(23,652)

(23,156)

(22,809)

(1)

Advertising, promotional, sponsoring and rebranding costs amounted to (1,283) million euros at December 31, 2008, (1,258) million euros at December 31, 2007 and (1,305) million euros at December 31, 2006.

5.3 Other operating income

Other operating income primarily includes late-payment interest on trade receivables, proceeds from trade receivables that have been written off, income from universal service, income relating to damage to lines, and penalties and reimbursements received.


 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

December 31, 2006

Total other operating income

380

440

473



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-40



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5.4 Other operating expenses

Other operating expenses primarily include:


 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

December 31, 2006

Business tax

(886)

(972)

(1,047)

Frequency use charges

(291)

(286)

(187)

Other taxes

(455)

(405)

(352)

Allowances and losses on trade receivables

(406)

(382)

(316)

Other charges

(220)

(315)

(333)

Total other operating expenses

(2,258)

(2,360)

(2,235)



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-41



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NOTE 6 - IMPAIRMENT

Impairment tests are carried out annually, or when indicators show that assets may be impaired. This note describes the impairment tests carried out for 2006, 2007 and 2008. 

6.1 Definition of CGUs and groups of CGUs

Definition of cash-generating units (CGUs)

At December 31, 2008, the France Telecom Group had 39 main CGUs, generally corresponding to an operation in a particular country. The CGUs break down as follows by primary business segment:

  

Year ended

 
 

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

December 31, 2006

Personal Communication Services (PCS) (1)

26

24

21

Home Communication Services (HCS) (2)

11

10

10

Enterprise Communication Services (ECS)

2

3

2

Total

39

37

33

(1)

In 2008, launch of mobile business in Niger.

(2)

In 2008, acquisition of Telkom Kenya.


Level of goodwill impairment testing

In accordance with the accounting policies described in Note 2.10, the main groups of CGUs used by France Telecom are the two CGUs representing the fixed-line and mobile businesses in Poland, the two CGUs representing the fixed-line and mobile businesses in Senegal, the two CGUs representing the fixed-line and mobile business in Jordan and the two CGUs representing the fixed-line and mobile businesses in Mauritius.

Other items of goodwill are tested at the level of each CGU, which is generally either the fixed-line or mobile business in each country.

At December 31, 2008, the main items of goodwill and intangible assets with an indefinite useful life included in the net book values of the CGUs or groups of CGUs tested were:

(in millions of euros)

Goodwill

Intangible assets

 with an indefinite useful life (1)

 

net book value

o/w impairment loss

PCS France

12,873

  

PCS Spain

4,658

  

PCS Romania

1,806

  

PCS UK

1,186

(1,665)

 

PCS Belgium

1,006

  

PCS Slovakia

806

  

PCS Switzerland

672

  

HCS France

2,117

(6)

 

HCS UK

229

  

HCS Spain

271

(140)

 

Poland (PCS and HCS)

2,628

(291)

192

ECS

421

(643)

 

Other

2,138

(151)

3,025

Total

30,811

(2,896)

3,217

(1)

Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life mainly comprise the Orange and TP brands (see Note 12).

6.2 Key assumptions used to determine recoverable amounts of the main CGUs and groups of CGUs

Basis for calculating recoverable amounts

See Note 2.10.

Key assumptions used to determine recoverable amounts

Key assumptions used to determine the value in use of assets in the telecommunications segment are similar in nature. They include:

market level, penetration rate and market share; decisions of regulators in terms of the pricing, accessibility of services, and Internet service provider tariffs between operators; the level of commercial expenses required to replace products and keep up with existing competitors or new market entrants; the impact on costs of changes in net revenues; and 

the level of investment spends, which may be affected by the roll-out of necessary new technologies.


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-42



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The values assigned to each of these parameters reflect past experience and expected changes over the timeframe of the business plan. In the economic environment implied by the financial crisis:

business plans were draft during the fourth quarter of 2008 in order to consider the latest trends, particularly regarding the first year of the plans;

the discount rate used to determine values in use may incorporate a specific risk premium to account for contingencies in the execution of certain business plans;

the perpetual growth rates used were maintained, as in the Group’s assessment carried out at the end of 2008, the current economic crisis should not lead to modify the long terms if its industry.

The evolutions of economic and financial environment, legal and regulatory decisions, or changes in competitors’ behavior in response to the economic environment will affect the estimate of recoverable amounts, as unforeseen evolutions of political, economic or legal systems of some countries.

Other assumptions which influence the estimation of recoverable amounts are set forth below :


At December 31, 2008

Main CGUs and groups of CGUs

PCS

France

PCS

 UK

PCS

 Spain

PCS

 Romania

HCS

France

ECS excluding

 Globecast

HCS and

PCS Poland

Basis of recoverable amount

Value in use

Value in use

Value in use

Value in use

Fair value

Value in use

Value in use

Source used

5-year plans

 

Discounted cash flow

Growth rate to perpetuity

1.0%

2.0%

2.0%

4.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0 to 3.0%

Post-tax discount rate

8.25%

8.75%

8.25%

11.0%

7.5%

10.0%

11.0%

Pre-tax discount rate

12.1%

10.9%

10.3%

12.5%

n/a

15.8%

12.1 to 13.1%


At December 31, 2007 

Main CGUs and groups of CGUs

PCS

France

PCS

 UK

PCS

Spain

HCS

France

ECS excluding

 Globecast

HCS and

 PCS Poland

Basis of recoverable amount

Fair value

Fair value

Value in use

Fair value

Value in use

Value in use

Source used

5-year plans

Plan

5-year plans

5-year plans

5-year plans

5-year plans

 

Discounted cash flow

EBITDA multiples

Discounted cash flow

Discounted cash flow

Discounted cash flow

Discounted cash flow

Growth rate to perpetuity

1.0%

n/a

2.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0 to 3.0%

Post-tax discount rate

7.7%

n/a

8.25%

7.7%

8.50%

11.0%

Pre-tax discount rate

n/a

n/a

10.7%

n/a

14.0%

13.1 to 13.5%


At December 31, 2006

Main CGUs and groups of CGUs

PCS

France

PCS

 UK

PCS

Spain

HCS

France

ECS excluding

 Globecast

HCS and

 PCS Poland

Basis of recoverable amount

Fair value

Value in use

Value in use

Fair value

Fair value

Value in use

Source used

5-year plans

5-year plans

5-year plans

Plan

Plan

5-year plans

 

Discounted cash flow

Discounted cash flow

Discounted cash flow

EBITDA multiples

EBITDA multiples

Discounted cash flow

Growth rate to perpetuity

1.0%

2.0%

2.0%

n/a

n/a

0.0 to 3.0%

Post-tax discount rate

8.5%

9.0%

8. 5%

n/a

n/a

11.3%

Pre-tax discount rate

n/a

11.7%

11.3%

n/a

n/a

11.6 to 11.7%

In accordance with IAS36, the basis used for impairment testing (fair value or value in use) may vary from one period to another; the recoverable amount is the higher of estimated value in use and fair value.

Sensitivity of recoverable amounts

At December 31, 2008, among the main CGUs or groups of CGUs listed above:

for PCS France, HCS France, PCS Romania and ECS excluding Globecast, the Group considers it improbable that there will be a change in valuation parameters that would bring the recoverable amount into line with the book value;

For PCS UK, a 225 basis point increase in the post-tax discount rate assumption or a 325 basis point decrease in the perpetual growth rate assumption would bring the value in use into line with the book value; likewise, a 28.9% fall in cash flow after the fifth year would bring the value in use into line with the book value;

For PCS Spain, a 48 basis point increase in the discount rate assumption or a 63 basis point decrease in the perpetual growth rate assumption would bring the value in use into line with the book value; likewise, an 8.9% fall in cash flow after the fifth year would bring the value in use into line with the book value;

In Poland (PCS and HCS), a 154 basis point increase in the post-tax discount rate assumption or a 248 basis point decrease in the perpetual growth rate assumption would bring the value in use into line with the book value; likewise, a 20.6% fall in cash flow after the fifth year would bring the value in use in to line with the book value.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-43



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6.3 Impairment, net of reversals

 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

December 31, 2006

 

Goodwill

Assets with a finite useful life

Assets with an indefinite useful life

Goodwill

Assets with a finite useful life

Assets with an indefinite useful life

Goodwill

Assets with a finite useful life

Assets with an indefinite useful life

PCS UK

-

-

-

-

-

-

(2,350)

-

-

PCS Netherlands

-

-

-

-

-

-

(175)

-

-

HCS Spain

(140)

(2)

-

-

(1)

-

-

-

-

HCS Kenya

(57)

-

-

(26)

-

-

-

-

-

PCS Ivory Coast

(42)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Poland (HCS and PCS)

-

31

-

-

1

-

(275)

(21)

-

HCS France

-

(4)

-

-

6

-

-

(19)

-

Other

(32)

(34)

0

-

(83)

(30)

-

(51)

(14)

Total

(271)

(9)

0

(26)

(77)

(30)

(2,800)

(91)

(14)


2008 impairment losses

In Spain, the 140 million euro impairment charge is based on the market value of the domestic fixed-line market. In 2008, this amount factors in a material decline in the market valuation of revenues per broadband subscriber based on comparable transactions.

Impairment recognized for Kenya is due to difficulties in implementing the transition plan and in starting up mobile business operations, due mainly to the post-election riots in Kenya at the beginning of 2008.


 2006 impairment loses

Until June 30, 2006, goodwill on the Personal operations which formed part of the sub-group headed by Orange SA in 2000, were tested at the level of that group. Within the Personal operations, return on investment is now monitored on a country basis, which has changed the level at which goodwill is tested for impairment. In accordance with the principles set out in Note 2.10, the goodwill on the former Orange sub-group has been reallocated to each of the constituent CGUs. The allocation was made in proportion to the fair values of each CGU as of November 30, 2006, the date on which the impairment test was carried out. The allocation of goodwill on the former Orange sub-group has significantly increased the net book value of the assets of Personal Communication Services in the United Kingdom, which led to the recognition of a (2,350) million euros impairment loss in 2006. The impairment loss booked a gainst the Personal Netherlands CGU stems from the same source.

For Poland, the impairment loss booked in 2006 was based on the business plan prepared by the company's management and stems from an increase in the discount rate to 11.3% (against 9.5% for Home and 10.5% for Personal previously), to take account of the uncertainty generated by the local regulatory environment. Long-term growth rates remain unchanged (0% for Home and 3% for Personal).



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-44



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NOTE 7 - GAINS AND LOSSES ON DISPOSALS OF ASSETS

The main disposals are set out in Note 3.


 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

December 31, 2006

Tower Participations

-

307

-

Orange's Dutch mobile and internet businesses

-

299

-

Bluebirds

-

104

-

One

-

36

-

Cable activities

-

-

84

Exchange of Sonaecom shares

-

-

25

Other

11

23

(12)

Total

11

769

97


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-45



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NOTE 8 – RESTRUCTURING COSTS

Restructuring costs, net of restructuring provision reversals, break down as follows:


 

Year ended

  

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

December 31, 2006

Public service secondment costs in France

(69)

(66)

(47)

Early retirement plan in France (1)

(35)

19

(280)

Contributions to the Works’ Committee in respect of early retirement plans

-

-

(13)

Other restructuring costs

(366)

(161)

(227)

 o/w France Telecom S.A.

(185)

(97)

(54)

 o/w TP S.A.

(49)

-

(74)

 o/w FT España

(38)

-

(32)

 o/w Orange UK

(28)

(31)

(39)

Total

(470)

(208)

(567)

(1)

Primarily impact from discount rate revision and from 2008 Social Security Financing Act.


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-46



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NOTE 9 - FINANCE COSTS, NET

The tables below show all gains and losses on financial assets and liabilities.

 

Year ended December 31, 2008

 

Finance costs

Operating income

Equity

(in millions of euros)

Cost of net financial debt

Foreign exchange gains (losses)

Other net financial expenses

 

Foreign exchange gains (losses)

Other

Retained earnings

Assets available for sale

9

3

-

 

-

1

(54)(6)

Loans and receivables

136

(970)

-

 

(10)

(333)(5)

-

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, excluding derivatives

169

(86)

-

 

-

-

-

Liabilities at amortized cost (1)

(2,630)

710

(26)(2)

 

(11)

(3)

-

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, excluding derivatives

-

-

24(3)

 

-

-

-

Derivatives

(67)

280

(381)(4)

 

112

-

434(6)

Total

(2,383)

(63)

(383)

(2,829)

91

(335)

380

Discounting expense

   

(158)

   

Finance costs, net

   

(2,987)

   

(1)

Including the change in fair value of hedged liabilities.

(2)

Redemptions of perpetual bonds redeemable for shares (TDIRA) for (26) million euros.

(3)

Change in fair value of the commitment to purchase the minority interests in Ten for 14 million euros and in Orange Madagascar for 10 million euros.

(4)

Change in fair value of the price guarantee given to the minority shareholders of FT España.

(5)

Mainly receivables written off for (421) million euros and sundry interests on receivables for 77 million euros.

(6)

See Note 20.


At December 31, 2008, net finance costs include financial income for 314 million euros, 195 million euros of which generated by France Telecom S.A..

 

Year ended December 31, 2007

 

Finance costs

Operating income

Equity

(in millions of euros)

Cost of net financial debt

Foreign exchange gains (losses)

Other net financial expenses

 

Foreign exchange gains (losses)

Other

Retained earnings

Assets available for sale

5

(6)

-

 

-

-

(38)

Loans and receivables

48

(445)

-

 

(28)

(286)(4)

-

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, excluding derivatives

257

-

-

 

-

-

-

Liabilities at amortized cost (1)

(2,766)

1,177

(64)(2)

 

29

(2)

-

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, excluding derivatives

-

-

(32)(3)

 

-

-

-

Derivatives

31

(730)

-

 

(7)

-

319

Total

(2,425)

(4)

(96)

(2,525)

(6)

(288)

281

Discounting expense

   

(125)

   

Finance costs, net

   

(2,650)

   

(1)

Including the change in fair value of hedged liabilities.

(2)

Redemptions of perpetual bonds redeemable for shares (TDIRA) for (64) million euros.

(3)

Change in fair value of the commitment to purchase the minority interests in Orange Madagascar for (32) million euros.

(4)

Mainly receivables written off for (379) million euros and sundry interests on receivables for 96 million euros.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-47



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At December 31, 2007, net finance costs included financial income for 304 million euros, 196 million euros of which generated by France Telecom S.A..

 

Year ended December 31, 2006

 

Finance costs

Operating income

Equity

(in millions of euros)

Cost of net financial debt

Foreign exchange gains (losses)

Other net financial expenses

 

Foreign exchange gains (losses)

Other

Retained earnings

Assets available for sale

5

(8)

-

 

-

-

(5)

Loans and receivables

76

127

-

 

3

(232)(4)

-

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, excluding derivatives

99

-

-

 

-

-

-

Liabilities at amortized cost (1)

(2,773)

678

(296)(2)

 

(4)

-

-

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, excluding derivatives

-

-

(6)

 

-

-

-

Derivatives

(32)

(771)

(228)(3)

 

3

-

104

Total

(2,625)

26

(530)

(3,129)

2

(232)

99

Discounting expense

   

(122)

   

Finance costs, net

   

(3,251)

   

(1)

Including the change in fair value of hedged liabilities.

(2)

Mainly the change in fair value of a bond issue for (189) million euros and the redemption of perpetual bonds redeemable for shares (TDIRA) for (103) million euros.

(3)

Mainly the change in fair value of the price guarantee given to the minority shareholders of FT España for (258) million euros.

(4)

Mainly receivables written off for (466) million euros, net provision reversals for 150 million euros and sundry interests on receivables for 84 million euros.

At December 31, 2006, net finance costs included financial income for 164 million euros, 51 million euros of which generated by France Telecom S.A..


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-48



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NOTE 10 - INCOME TAX

10.1

France Telecom Group tax proof

Income tax for 2008 is based on the application of the effective tax rate on pre-tax income for the year ended December 31, 2008. In France, deferred taxes are calculated based on enacted tax rates, i.e. 34.43% for 2008 and thereafter.

The reconciliation between effective income tax expense on continuing operations and the theoretical tax calculated based on the French statutory tax rate is as follows:

 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

December 31, 2006

Net income of continuing operations before tax

7,285

8,149

3,737

Impairment of goodwill

271

26

2,800

Net income from continuing operations before tax and impairment of goodwill

7,556

8,175


6,537

Statutory income tax rate

34.43%

34.43%

34.43%

Theoretical tax

(2,602)

(2,815)

(2,250)

Share of profits (losses) of associates

(73)

1

8

Recognition of share-based compensation

(9)

(30)

(12)

Recognition / (Derecognition) of tax assets

(268)

809

136

Difference in tax rates

328

283

233

Change in local tax rate

(3)

84

(271)

Capital gains and losses of equity investments not taxable at the current tax rate

1

283

14

Price guarantee granted to the minority shareholders of FT España

(130)

-

(89)

Other

(37)

55

51

Effective tax

(2,793)

(1,330)

(2,180)

10.2 Income tax benefit/(charge)

The income tax split between the tax groups and the other subsidiaries is as follows:

 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

December 31, 2006

France tax group

(1,971)

(499)

(1,280)

 

- Current taxes

(46)

3

(22)

 

- Deferred taxes

(1,925)

(502)

(1,258)

UK tax group

18

110

74

 

- Current taxes

(1)

(3)

37

 

- Deferred taxes

19

113

37

Spain

(619)

(494)

(327)

 

- Current taxes

-

22

(3)

 

- Deferred taxes

(619)

(516)

(324)

TP Group

(116)

(147)

(102)

 

- Current taxes

(160)

(174)

(156)

 

- Deferred taxes

44

27

54

Other subsidiaries

(105)

(300)

(545)

 

- Current taxes

(478)

(457)

(447)

 

- Deferred taxes

373

157

(98)

Income Tax

(2,793)

(1,330)

(2,180)

 

- Current taxes

(685)

(609)

(591)

 

- Deferred taxes

(2,108)

(721)

(1,589)




2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-49



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France tax group

The deferred tax charge in 2008 for the France tax group mainly consisted of (1,905) million euros in tax loss carryforwards utilization.

In 2007, the deferred tax charge for the France tax group included (2,172) million euros in tax loss carryforwards utilized and 1,573 million euros due to reassessment of the recoverability horizon.

In 2006, the deferred tax charge for the France tax group also included the use of tax loss carryforwards for an amount of (1,465) million euros and, to a lesser extent, a reassessment of the recoverability horizon for an amount of 416 million euros.

France Telecom and its main French subsidiaries were audited by the French tax authorities for the years 2000 to 2005 inclusive, except for the entities of the former Orange tax consolidation group, which were audited for the years 2002 to 2005 inclusive. These audits have been completed and the tax adjustments that were accepted had no material impact on France Telecom's 2008 financial statements. As for the tax adjustments that were contested, the relevant companies have made their comments and are awaiting a final decision by the tax authorities.

UK tax group

In 2007, the change in the income tax rate in the United Kingdom led to an 84 million euro increase in deferred tax income for the period.

Spain

At December 31, 2008, the deferred tax charge mainly comprised (577) million euros for reassessment of the recoverability horizon for the Spanish tax assets. At December 31, 2007, the deferred tax charge included (474) million euros for this item. At December 31, 2006, the tax charge mainly comprised the effect of a decrease in the corporate income tax rate for (271) million euros.

Members of the former Auna tax group were subject to an audit by the tax authorities for the years 2003 to 2005 inclusive. This audit has not been completed.

Other tax entities

A net deferred tax gain of 406 million euros was recognized within other tax entities that have evidenced the probable nature of their future taxable profits.

10.3 Balance sheet tax position


  

Year ended

 

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

(in millions of euros)

Assets

Equity and liabilities

Net

Assets

Equity and liabilities

Net

France tax group

      
 

- Current taxes

11

22

(11)

51

23

28

 

- Deferred taxes

4,060

-

4,060

6,003

-

6,003

UK tax group

      
 

- Current taxes

-

12

(12)

-

8

(8)

 

- Deferred taxes

-

1,003

(1,003)

-

1,322

(1,322)

Spain

      
 

- Current taxes

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

- Deferred taxes

461

127

334

1,038

85

953

TP Group

      
 

- Current taxes

40

3

36

14

4

10

 

- Deferred taxes

62

-

62

28

-

28

Other subsidiaries

      
 

- Current taxes

93

240

(147)

46

296

(250)

 

- Deferred taxes

559

158

401

204

132

72

Net balance sheet income tax

      
 

- Current taxes

144

277

(133)

111

331

(220)

 

- Deferred taxes

5,142

1,288

3,854

7,273

1,539

5,734

The balance sheet tax position by class of temporary difference breaks down as follows:


  

Year ended

  

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

(in millions of euros)

 

Net

Net

Provisions for early retirement plans

 

411

618

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

 

(813)

(881)

Tax loss carryforwards

 

3,709

5,408

Other differences

 

547

589

Net deferred taxes - France Telecom Group

 

3,854

5,734


At December 31, 2008, unrecognized deferred tax assets for France Telecom Group amounted to 5.4 billion euros (4.8 billion euros in 2007), mainly comprising tax loss carry-forwards located in many jurisdictions and that were not recognized in the consolidated financial statements in accordance with the accounting policies described in Note 2.17.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-50



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10.4 Changes in Group net deferred taxes


  

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

 

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

Opening balance (balance sheet asset position)

 

5,734

6,402

Changes in the scope of consolidation

 

(50)

(11)

Recognition in net income

 

(2,108)

(721)

Recognition in equity

 

(24)

(106)

Translation adjustments and other items (1)

 

302

170

Closing balance (balance sheet asset position)

 

3,854

5,734

(1)

In 2008, including 299 million euros mainly for conversion of tax assets and liabilities in the United Kingdom.





2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-51



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NOTE 11 - GOODWILL

 

Year ended

 

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007


(in millions of euros)

Cost

Accumulated impairment losses

Net

Net

PCS

26,504

(1,706)

24,798

24,931

HCS (1)

6,139

(547)

5,592

6,059

ECS

1,064

(643)

421

399

Total

33,707

(2,896)

30,811

31,389

(1)

Goodwill on TP Group is included in the HCS segment. It is tested for impairment at the level of the "Poland Group" of CGUs (see Note 6).


Movements in the net book value of goodwill are as follows:


 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

Opening balance

31,389

31,517

Acquisitions (1)

366

436

Disposals (2)

(5)

(334)

Impairment (3)

(271)

(26)

Translation adjustment (4)

(674)

(79)

Reclassifications and other items (5)

6

(125)

Closing balance

30,811

31,389

(1)

See Note 3. Including, in 2008, Telkom Kenya for 216 million euros, Mobistar for 71 million euros and TP Group for 39 million euros. Including, in 2007, FT España ISP (Ya.com) for 125 million euros, Orange Moldova 85 million euros, VOXmobile 71 million euros and Groupe Silicomp for 70 million euros.

(2)

See Note 3. In 2007, (334) million euros relating to the sale of Orange's Dutch mobile and internet businesses.

(3)

See Note 6.

(4)

In 2008, this item mainly includes (409) million euros for TP Group, (354) million euros for Orange in the United Kingdom and 83 million euros for Orange Slovensko.

(5)

In 2007, (184) million euros of remeasurement relating to the merger of the Spanish entities in 2006.


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-52



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NOTE 12 - OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS


 

 Year ended

 

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007


(in millions of euros)

Cost

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

Impairment

Net

Net

Telecommunication licenses

8,549

(2,640)

-

5,909

7,172

Brands

3,928

-

(711)

3,217 (1)

4,090

Subscriber bases

5,681

(4,445)

(4)

1,232 (2)

1,671

Software

9,596

(5,824)

(38)

3,734

3,442

Other intangible assets

946

(422)

(165)

359

283

Total

28,700

(13,331)

(918)

14,451

16,658

(1)

Including, at December 31, 2008, the Orange brand for 2,961 million euros and the TP brand for 192 million euros.

(2)

Including, in 2008, FT España for 1,005 million euros, the Jordanian entities for 97 million euros and Sonatel for 76 million euros.


Movements in the net book value of other intangible assets were as follows:

 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

Opening balance

16,658

18,713

Acquisitions of other intangible assets (1)

1,883

1,693

Impact of changes in the scope of consolidation (2)

238

(220)

Disposals

(15)

(10)

Depreciation and amortization (3)

(2,365)

(2,532)

Impairment

(13)

(37)

Translation adjustment (4)

(2,134)

(801)

Reclassifications and other items

199

(148)

Closing balance

14,451

16,658

(1)

In 2008, it mainly relates to software for an amount of 1,530 million euros and licenses for an amount of 273 million euros. In 2007, this item mainly related to software for an amount of 1,477 million euros.

(2)

In 2008, this item mainly relates to the acquisition of Telkom Kenya for 120 million euros and the acquisition of Orange Uganda for 68 million euros. In 2007, this item mainly related to the sale of the Dutch businesses for an amount of (374) million euros and the acquisition of FT España ISP (Ya.com) for an amount of 92 million euros.

(3)

In 2008, this item mainly relates to telecommunication licenses for an amount of (551) million euros and subscriber bases for an amount of (468) million euros (respectively (624) million euros and (531) million euros in 2007).

(4)

In 2008, this item mainly relates to Orange in United Kingdom for (2,020) million euros (in 2007, (828) million euros).

Information on telecommunication licenses at December 31, 2008 

France Telecom's commitments under licenses awarded are disclosed in Note 29.



(in millions of euros)

Cost

Net

Residual useful life(1)

GSM

563

250

6.7

UMTS

4,301

3,136

12.9

United Kingdom

4,864

3,386

 

GSM

188

163

11.2

UMTS

639

487

11.2

Spain

827

650

 

GSM

281

229

12.3

UMTS

629

462

12.6

France

910

691

 

GSM (2 licenses)

146

26

4.8 to 5.7

UMTS

393

322

14.9

Poland

539

348

 

Other (2)

1,409

834

 

Total telecommunication licenses

8,549

5,909

 

(1)

In number of years at December 31, 2008.

(2)

This item mainly relates to licenses in Belgium and Egypt.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-53



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Capitalized expenditure


 

Year ended

 

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

December 31, 2006

(in millions of euros)

Net

Net

Net

External purchases

484

463

395

Labor expenses

337

317

233

Other

-

-

7

Total

821

780

635





2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-54



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NOTE 13 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

 Year ended

 

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007


(in millions of euros)

Cost

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

Impairment

Net

Net

Land and buildings

6,812

(3,334)

(388)

3,090

3,098

Networks and terminals

73,304

(51,472)

(232)

21,600

23,002

IT equipment

3,912

(2,947)

(15)

950

1,149

Other property, plant and equipment

1,975

(1,053)

(28)

894

600

Total

86,003

(58,806)

(663)

26,534

27,849

Movements in the net book value of property, plant and equipment were as follows:

 

 Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

Opening balance

27,849

28,222

Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment (1)

5,433

5,415

Impact of changes in the scope of consolidation (2)

123

(290)

Disposals and retirements

(226)

(82)

Depreciation and amortization (3)

(5,411)

(5,579)

Impairment

4

(70)

Translation adjustment (4)

(1,146)

16

Reclassifications and other items

(92)

217

Closing balance

26,534

27,849

(1)

In 2008, this item relates mainly to networks and terminals for an amount of 4,161 million euros (4,481 million euros in 2007). Including 176 million euros acquired under finance leases at December 31, 2008 (44 million euros at December 31, 2007).

(2)

In 2008, this item mainly relates to the acquisition of Telkom Kenya for 64 million euros and the acquisition of Orange Uganda for 31 million euros. In 2007, this item related to the sale of the Dutch businesses for an amount of (418) million euros and the acquisition of FT España (Ya.com) for an amount of 97 million euros.

(3)

In 2008, this item relates mainly to networks and terminals for an amount of (4,615) million euros (in 2007, (4,834) million euros).

(4)

In 2008, this item relates mainly to TP Group for (720) million euros and Orange in the United Kingdom for (532) million euros.

Property, plant and equipment held under finance leases 

 

Year ended

 

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

(in millions of euros)

Net

Net

Land and buildings

300

195

Networks and terminals

288

363

IT equipment and other

14

15

Total

602

573

Capitalized expenditure

 

Year ended

 

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

December 31, 2006

(in millions of euros)

Net

Net

Net

External purchases

665

691

731

Labor expenses

269

258

313

Other

68

64

19

Total

1,002

1,013

1,063


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-55



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NOTE 14 - INTERESTS IN ASSOCIATES

14.1 Investments in associates

 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

Opening balance

282

360

Dividends

-

(1)

Share of profits (losses)

(12)

4

Impairment (1)

(199)

-

Acquisitions (2)

107

-

Disposals of investments

(6)

(35)

Other impact of changes in scope of consolidation

-

(46)

Closing balance

172

282

(1)

Relates to Sonaecom.

(2)

Including Compagnie Européenne de Téléphonie for 68 million euros in 2008.


The net book values of France Telecom's investments in associates are as follows:

(in millions of euros)

 

Year ended


Company


Main activity

% interest

December 31, 2008


December 31, 2008


December 31, 2007

Sonaecom

Telecommunications operator in Portugal

20%

84

273

Orange Austria subgroup

(ex-One)

Telecommunications operator in Austria

35%

-

-

Compagnie Européenne de Téléphonie (1)

Distributor

48.50%

54

-

Other

 

-

34

9

Total

  

172

282

(1)

See Note 3.

14.2 Main financial aggregates – investments in associates

Unless otherwise indicated, the main financial aggregates for 100% of each associate as of December 31 were as follows:

Sonaecom

France Telecom's ownership interest in Sonaecom was 20% at December 31, 2008 (19.19% at December 31, 2007 and 2006).

The main financial aggregates for Sonaecom are as follows:

(in millions of euros)

 

2008 (1)

2007

2006

Revenues

 

727

893

836

Net income

 

(8)

37

(5)

Total assets

 

1,808

1,759

1,720

Equity

 

921

935

910

France Telecom share in equity

 

184

179

175

(1)

Latest figures reported for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 (unaudited).




2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-56



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Orange Austria subgroup (ex-One)

In October 2007, One, which has since been renamed Orange Austria subgroup, underwent a Leveraged Buy Out (LBO). France Telecom's share of the total cash consideration received was 154 million euros on the transaction date.

At the same time, France Telecom and the Mid Europa Partners (MEP) investment fund entered into an investment agreement through which France Telecom invested 108 million euros in Orange Austria subgroup, giving it an interest of 35% in Orange Austria subgroup, compared with its 17.45% stake in One before the LBO.

Other than the shares pledged as collateral, France Telecom provided no guarantee for any liability, nor entered into any agreement that would require it to provide financial support to Orange Austria subgroup in any manner whatsoever.

France Telecom's ownership interest in Orange Austria subgroup was 35% at December 31, 2008 and 2007.

The main financial aggregates for Orange Austria subgroup are as follows:

(in millions of euros)

 

2008

2007 (1)

Revenues

 

615

164

Net income

 

(82)

(73)

Total assets

 

878

895

Non-current financial liabilities

 

1,264

1,235

Equity

 

(626)

(544)

France Telecom share in equity

 

(219)

(190)

(1)

3 months to December 31, 2007.


Based on the terms of this transaction, France Telecom deemed that its stake in Orange Austria subgroup is identical to the stake it previously held in One, plus a cash distribution, as Orange Austria subgroup is the same company as One, only more leveraged. Equity recognized on the LBO transaction date amounted to (471) million euros for 100%, representing One's pre-LBO equity less 774 million euros of distributions paid to One's historical shareholders (net of the amount reinvested by France Telecom) plus the 200 million euro investment of the new shareholder, MEP. Given negative equity and the absence of commitment, the contribution to the consolidated financial statements is nil. The distribution, net of France Telecom's reinvestment, was first recorded as a reduction of the carrying amount (10 million euros before the transaction), and the amount of 36 million euros in excess of this value was recognized as a gain.

France Telecom will subsequently start to recognize a share of income in Orange Austria subgroup only when France Telecom's share of Orange Austria subgroup's cumulative net income equals the gain recognized in the transaction, in accordance with IAS 28. The share of Orange Austria subgroup's net income that was not recognized in the France Telecom Group's consolidated financial statements amounted to (29) million euros in 2008 and (26) million euros in 2007.

Compagnie Européenne de Téléphonie

France Telecom's ownership interest in CET was 48.5% at December 31, 2008.

The main financial aggregates for CET are as follows:

(in millions of euros)

 

2008 (1)

Revenues

 

149

Net income

 

(38)

Total assets

 

 NC

Equity

 

(52)

France Telecom share in equity

 

(25)

(1)

The share of CET's earnings recognized in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008 was determined based on an estimate of the net income of CET, whose closing date occurs after France Telecom financial results publication.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-57



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NOTE 15 - ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR SALE

  

Year ended

  

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

(in millions of euros)

% interest

Fair value

Fair value

Bull S.A. (1)

10%

11

37

Freenet AG (ex MobilCom) (1)

1%

2

10

Telkom Kenya (2)

40%

-

244

Investment funds(3)

-

44

65

Other companies

-

52

45

Total non-consolidated investments

 

109

401

Deposits relating to QTE leases and similar items (4)

-

90

105

Other financial assets at fair value (5)

-

4

12

Assets available for sale

 

203

518

(1)

Listed companies.

(2)

Consolidated since 2008.

(3)

Principally in research and development.

(4)

See Notes 21 and 29.

(5)

Assets available for sale include marketable securities and investments held for over one year.


Changes in assets available for sale are summarized in the table below:


(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

Opening balance

518

338

Change in fair value (1)

(54)

(38)

Other changes (2)

(261)

218

Closing balance

203

518

(1)

Recorded in equity in the assets available for sale reserve (see Note 20).

(2)

Including, in 2008, Telkom Kenya for an amount of (244) million euros.


NOTE 16 - INVENTORIES

 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

Inventories of handsets

692

740

Other products/services sold

234

272

Available Broadcasting rights

32

-

Other supplies

96

139

Gross value (1)

1,054

1,151

Provisions for obsolescence

(78)

(83)

Net value

976

1,068

(1)

Includes stocks in channel for approximately 129 million euros in 2008 on entity Orange France and 94 million euros in 2007.





2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-58



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NOTE 17 - LOANS AND RECEIVABLES

  

Year ended

  

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

(in millions of euros)

 

Cost

Depreciation

Net

Net

Trade receivables

 

7,380

(1,217)

6,163

6,556

Loans and other receivables

 

1,757

(140)

1,617

2,041

Cash

 

1,034

-

1,034

1,303

Loans and receivables

 

10,171

(1,357)

8,814

9,900

Cash and cash equivalents amount to 4,800 million euros at December 31, 2008 (4,025 million euros at December 31, 2007), including 3,766 million euros of cash equivalents (see Note 18).

17.1 Trade receivables

The France Telecom Group is committed in trade receivables securitization programs in France and in the United Kingdom. As France Telecom has not transferred all risks related to the securitized trade receivables, and particularly the credit risk, the conditions for derecognition are not met. Accordingly, these receivables (2.5 billion euros) and the external liabilities of the securitization vehicles (1.2 billion euros) remain on the balance sheet.

Net trade receivables are broken down as follows:

 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

Trade receivables depreciated according to their age

1,676

1,935

Trade receivables depreciated according to other criteria

373

988

Net trade receivables past due

2,049

2,923

Not past due

4,114

3,633

Net trade receivables

6,163

6,556


The following table provides an aging balance of net trade receivables past due and depreciated according to their age:

 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

Past due - under 180 days

1,339

1,591

Past due - 180 to 360 days

198

143

Past due - over 360 days

139

201

Total net trade receivables past due and depreciated according to their age

1,676

1,935


The table below provides an analysis of the change in provision for trade receivables:


(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

Opening balance

(1,123)

(1,136)

Change in provision for depreciation

15

(3)

Translation adjustment

69

15

Impact of changes in the scope of consolidation

(146)

8

Reclassifications and other items

(32)

(7)

Closing balance

(1,217)

(1,123)

421 million euros of trade receivables were written off at December 31, 2008 (379 million euros at December 31, 2007).



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-59



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17.2 Loans and other receivables

 

Year ended

 

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

(in millions of euros)

Cost

Depreciation

Net

Net

Cash collateral paid (1)

238

-

238

788

Escrow deposit (2)

964

-

964

757

Deposits related to QTE leases and assimilated (3)

14

-

14

91

Receivables from non-consolidated companies and current accounts

177

(140)

37

69

Other (4)

364

-

364

336

Total loans and other receivables

1,757

(140)

1,617

2,041

o/w current loans and other receivables

63

-

63

81

o/w non-current loans and other receivables

1,694

(140)

1,554

1,960

(1)

See Note 27.3.

(2)

See Note 30.

(3)

See Note 21.

(4)

Mainly comprises security deposits and sundry loans.


The table below provides an analysis of the change in provision for loans and other receivables:


(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

Opening balance

(133)

(144)

Change in provision for depreciation

(1)

(10)

Translation adjustment

(6)

13

Impact of changes in the scope of consolidation

-

8

Closing balance

(140)

(133)

For loans and other receivables, amounts past due but not depreciated are not material.


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-60



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NOTE 18 - FINANCIAL ASSETS AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS

 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

Deposits

1,060

89

Certificates of deposit

1,249

2,213

Commercial papers

450

344

Mutual funds (SICAV and FCP)

866

69

Other

141

7

Cash equivalents

3,766

2,722

Other financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

827

588

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

4,593

3,310


The table below shows a breakdown of other financial assets at fair value through profit or loss:


 

Year ended

 

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

(in millions of euros)

Current

Non-current

Total

Current

Non-current

Total

Negotiable debt securities (1)

608

-

608

488

-

488

Derivatives held for trading (assets) (2)

110

106

216

44

54

98

Other investments at fair value

3

-

3

2

-

2

Other financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

721

106

827

534

54

588

(1)

Maturing on January 2, 2009.

(2)

See Note 22.


Apart from derivative assets, which are classified by nature as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, the other financial assets are included in this category, as they are short-term investments for which management and performance are evaluated on the basis of fair value.


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-61



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NOTE 19 - OTHER ASSETS AND PREPAID EXPENSES

19.1 Other assets

 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

VAT receivables

1,365

1,266

Other tax receivables

73

52

Employee and payroll-related receivables

38

42

Advances and down payments relating to non-current assets (1)

79

245

Other

620

493

Total

2,175

2,098

o/w other non-current assets

32

63

o/w other current assets

2,143

2,035

(1)

Including, in 2007, 145 million euros relating to the purchase of buildings.


19.2 Prepaid expenses

 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

Prepaid external purchases

550

573

Other prepaid operating expenses

31

100

Total

581

673




2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-62



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NOTE 20 - EQUITY

At December 31, 2008, France Telecom S.A.’s share capital amounted to 10,459,964,944 euros, comprising 2,614,991,236 ordinary shares with a par value of 4 euros each.

At December 31, 2008, the French State owned 26.65% of France Telecom S.A.'s share capital either directly or indirectly through ERAP and 26.75% of the voting rights.

20.1

Changes in share capital

During the period ended December 31, 2008, France Telecom S.A. issued 642,325 new shares following the exercise of stock options, including:

5,350 shares in respect of plans granted by France Telecom S.A. from 2005 to 2007;

204,334 shares in respect of plans granted by Wanadoo between 2000 and 2003, then transferred to France Telecom S.A. when the merger of Wanadoo occurred; and

432,641 shares in respect of plans granted by Orange between 2001 and 2003 and for which the holders received options liquidity instruments.

The capital increase resulting from the issuance of these new shares was noted by the Board of Directors at its meeting of March 3, 2009.

20.2

 Treasury shares

Pursuant to the authorization of the Shareholders’ Meeting of May 21, 2007, the Board of Directors implemented a share buyback program (the "2007 Buyback Program"). The description of the program was published on May 21, 2007.

On May 27, 2008, pursuant to the authorization of the Shareholders’ Meeting held on the same day, the Board of Directors implemented a new share buyback program (the "2008 Buyback Program") and ended the unused portion of the 2007 Buyback Program with immediate effect. The description of the 2008 Buyback Program was published on May 28, 2008. During the period ended December 31, 2008, France Telecom S.A. bought back 1,000,000 shares under the authorized program (excluding shares bought back under the liquidity contract), and granted 504 shares before the vesting date under the free share award plan.

The liquidity contract entered into on May 9, 2007 with an investment services provider was renewed on its anniversary date for a period of one year and has continued to be implemented under the 2008 Buyback Program. An amount of 100 million euros has been allocated to the liquidity account for purposes of implementing the contract.

At December 31, 2008, the company held 10,113,380 of its own shares (and no shares under the terms of the liquidity contract), recorded as a reduction in equity.

At December 31, 2007, the company held 10,528,884 of its own shares (including 1,415,000 shares under the terms of the liquidity contract), recorded as a reduction in equity.

At December 31, 2006, the company did not hold any treasury shares.

20.3 Earnings per share

The following table provides a reconciliation of the net income figures used for the purpose of calculating basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

December 31, 2006

Net income used for calculating basic earnings per share

4,069

6,300

1,033

Impact on net income of converting each category of dilutive financial instrument:

   

- TDIRA (1)

-

193

-

- OCEANE

25

25

12

Net income used for calculating diluted earnings per share

4,094

6,518

1,045

(1)

At December 31, 2008 and 2006, the TDIRAs were considered to be anti-dilutive and were therefore excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. At December 31, 2007, the TDIRAs were considered to be dilutive.


The following table shows the weighted average number of ordinary shares used for calculating basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

Year ended

(number of shares)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

December 31, 2006

Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding - basic

2,611,889,097

2,601,559,094

2,604,227,117

- TDIRA (1)

-

110,067,701

-

- OCEANE

42,260,020

44,688,733

44,688,733

France Telecom stock option plans and similar items (2)

2,419,249

3,901,336

2,823,071

Treasury shares held to cover free share award plans

1,987,449

3,707,995

-

Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted

2,658,555,815

2,763,924,859

2,651,738,921

(1)

TDIRAs represented 101,965,284 shares at December 31, 2008.

(2)

Diluted earnings per share do not include subscription options whose exercise price is greater than the 12-month average market price.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-63



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20.4 Dividends

France Telecom’s Shareholders' Meeting of France Telecom S.A. held on May 27, 2008 decided to distribute to France Telecom shareholders a cash dividend of 1.30 euro per share in respect of 2007. The dividend was paid on June 3, 2008 for a total amount of 3,386 million euros.

In addition, at its meeting of July 30, 2008, the Board of Directors decided to distribute an interim dividend of 60 euro cents per share. This interim dividend was paid on September 11, 2008 for a total amount of 1,563 million euros.

The Annual Shareholders' Meeting of France Telecom held on May 21, 2007 decided to distribute to shareholders a cash dividend of 1.20 euro per share in respect of 2006. The dividend was paid on June 7, 2007 for a total amount of 3,117 million euros.

The Annual Shareholders' Meeting of France Telecom held on April 21, 2006 decided to distribute to shareholders a cash dividend of 1 euro per share in respect of 2005. The dividend was paid on May 10, 2006 for a total amount of 2,602 million euros.

20.5 Cumulative translation adjustment

At December 31, 2008, the negative translation adjustment was mainly due to the variation of the pound sterling for an amount of (1,465) million euros, including (354) million euros for the goodwill of Orange in the United Kingdom.

At December 31, 2007, the negative translation adjustment was mainly due to the variation of the pound sterling for an amount of (664) million euros, including (141) million euros for the goodwill of Orange in the United Kingdom.

At December 31, 2006, the positive translation adjustment was mainly due to the variation of the pound sterling for an amount of 390 million euros, including 272 million euros for the goodwill of Orange in the United Kingdom.

20.6 Gains and losses recognized directly in equity

Assets available for sale reserve


 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

December 31, 2006

Bull

4

30

52

Steria

2

11

20

Freenet AG (ex-MobilCom)

-

11

15

Other

20

28

31

Total

26

80

118


Unrealized gains and losses arising from the revaluation of available-for-sale assets at fair value are recognized in equity. When the loss is recognized as an impairment, the cumulative loss is reclassified from equity to profit or loss. The change in fair value of available-for-sale assets over the year is analyzed as follows:


 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

Profit (loss) recognized in equity during the period

(53)

Amount reclassified from equity to profit or loss of the period

(1)

Total

(54)


Hedging instruments reserves 

Certain derivatives qualify for hedge accounting and are therefore accounted for as cash flow or net investment hedges. The effective portion of the gain or loss realized on the hedging instrument is recorded under equity in the hedging instruments reserves. For France Telecom S.A., this mainly comprises the effective portion of cross-currency interest rate swaps which qualify for cash flow or net investment hedge accounting.

When a hedging relationship is discontinued either because the hedging instrument has been wound up or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting, but the hedged item remains on the balance sheet, the portion held in the cash flow hedge reserve is amortized over the remaining term of the hedging relationship as documented at inception.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-64



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Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

December 31, 2006

Effective component of cash flow hedges

500

220

(61)

Amortization of residual reserve for discontinued hedges

123

(12)

(31)

Effective component of net investment hedges

(26)

-

-

Contribution of France Telecom S.A.

597

208

(92)

Contribution of other entities

48

3

(6)

Total

645

211

(98)


The deferred tax relating to the hedging instruments reserves amounted to:

(219) million euros at December 31, 2008, relating to France Telecom S.A.;

(74) million euros at December 31, 2007, relating to France Telecom S.A.;

32 million euros at December 31, 2006, mainly including 30 million euros for France Telecom S.A..

20.7 Minority interests

Minority interests on the income statement

At December 31, 2008, net income attributable to minority interests mainly related to TP Group (321 million euros) and Mobistar (141 million euros).

At December 31, 2007, net income attributable to minority interests mainly related to TP Group (315 million euros) and Mobistar (144 million euros).

At December 31, 2006, net income attributable to minority interests related mainly to TP Group (206 million euros), Mobistar (149 million euros), and PagesJaunes (105 million euros).

Dividends

At December 31, 2008, dividends paid out to minority shareholders mainly related to TP Group (302 million euros), Mobistar (85 million euros), the Senegalese entities (136 million euros) and ECMS (61 million euros).

At December 31, 2007, dividends paid out to minority shareholders mainly related to TP Group (273 million euros), Mobistar (142 million euros), the Senegalese entities (88 million euros) and ECMS (71 million euros).

At December 31, 2006, dividends paid out to minority shareholders mainly concerned TP Group (190 million euros), PagesJaunes (131 million euros), Mobistar (76 million euros) and ECMS (66 million euros).

Minority interests reflected on the balance sheet

At December 31, 2008, minority shareholders mainly related to TP Group (1,679 million euros), the Spanish entities (710 million euros), the Senegalese entities (475 million euros) and Mobistar (223 million euros).

At December 31, 2007, minority interests mainly related to TP Group (2,000 million euros), the Spanish entities (1,153 million euros), the Senegalese entities (528 million euros), and Mobistar (393 million euros).

At December 31, 2006, minority interests related mainly to TP Group (2,002 million euros), FT España (1,587 million euros), Sonatel (476 million euros), and Mobistar (391 million euros).



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-65



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NOTE 21 - FINANCIAL LIABILITIES AND NET FINANCIAL DEBT

21.1 Financial liabilities

 

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

 (in millions of euros)

Non-current

Current

Total

Non-current

Current

Total

Financial liabilities at amortized cost

31,649

8,236

39,885

32,532

8,694

41,226

Trade payables

498

9,519

10,017

435

9,580

10,015

Deposits received from customers(1)

133

-

133

-

-

-

Financial liabilities at amortized cost

32,280

17,755

50,035

32,967

18,274

51,241

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss o/w:

495

913

1,408

154

730

884

- Amena price guarantee

-

810

810

-

516

516

- Derivatives held for trading liabilities

492

51

543

137

151

288

- Commitments to purchase minority interests

3

52

55

17

61

78

Hedging derivatives (liabilities) (2)

650

2

652

955

353

1,308

Total financial liabilities

33,425

18,670

52,095

34,076

19,357

53,433

(1)

At December 31, 2007, deposits received from customers were included in other non-current liabilities for 116 million euros.

(2)

See Note 22.

21.2 Net financial debt

Net financial debt as defined and used by France Telecom corresponds to financial liabilities excluding operating payables (translated at the year-end closing rate), less (i) derivative instruments carried in assets held for trading, cash flow hedges, fair value hedges, and net investment hedges, (ii) cash collateral paid on derivative instruments, (iii) cash and cash equivalents and financial assets at fair value, and (iv) deposits paid on certain specific transactions (if the associated liability is included in gross financial debt). Derivatives qualifying as cash flow hedge and net investment hedge are set up to hedge items that are not included in net financial debt (future cash flows, net assets in foreign currencies). However, the market value of these derivatives is included in the calculation. The "effective portion of cash flow hedges" and the "unrealized gain or loss on net investment hedges" are added to net financial debt to offset this temporary difference.


(in millions of euros)

 

Note

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

TDIRA

 

21.3

2,860

3,354

Bonds, excluding TDIRA (1)

 

21.4

29,932

32,169

Bank loans

 

21.5

3,670

2,674

Finance lease liabilities (2)

  

1,233

1,525

Commercial papers

  

603

100

Bank overdrafts

  

132

189

Securitization debt (3)

  

1,231

1,111

Other financial liabilities

  

224

104

Financial liabilities at amortized cost excluding trade payables

  

39,885

41,226

Commitments to purchase minority interests

  

55

78

Amena price guarantee

 

29

810

516

Derivatives - liabilities

 

22

1,195

1,596

Derivatives - assets 

 

22

(915)

(152)

Gross financial debt after derivatives

(a)

 

41,030

43,264

Deposits related to QTE leases and assimilated (Assets available for sale)

15

90

105

Deposits related to QTE leases and assimilated (Loans and receivables)

17

14

91

Cash collateral paid

 

17

238

788

Other financial assets at fair value, excluding derivatives

 

18

611

490

Cash equivalents

 

18

3,766

2,722

Cash

 

17

1,034

1,303

Assets included in the calculation of net financial debt

(b)

 

5,753

5,499

Effective portion of cash flow hedges

(c)

 

608

215

Unrealized gain (loss) on net investment hedges

(c)

 

(26)

-

Net financial debt

(a)-(b)+(c)

 

35,859

37,980

(1)

Includes private issues EMTN (Euro Medium Term Notes) of France Telecom S.A. for 1,131 million euros at December 31, 2008 (1,722 million euros at December 31, 2007). Previously, these loans were presented under Bank loans.

(2)

Finance lease liabilities primarily include:

Liabilities related to in-substance defeasance operations of Orange in the UK, for 813 million euros at December 31, 2008 (1,116 million euros at December 31, 2007), for which the final settlement payments are due after 2017 (see Note 29).

Liabilities related to QTE leases of France Telecom S.A., for 121 million euros at December 31, 2008 (98 million euros at December 31, 2007).

At December 31, 2007, liabilities related to QTE leases of Orange in Switzerland for 103 million euros. Orange in Switzerland discontinued this arrangement in 2008.

(3)

Including gross debt carried by securitization vehicles for receivables of France Telecom S.A., Orange France and Orange in the UK.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-66



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Debt maturity schedules are presented in Note 27 (Liquidity risk management).

Analysis of net financial debt by currency

The table below provides an analysis of net financial debt by currency after hedging derivatives.


(equivalent value in millions of euros at the year-end closing rate)

EUR

GBP

PLN

CHF

USD

Other

Total

Net debt by currency of issue (1)

25,062

3,964

845

522

4,258

1,208

35,859

Nominal amount of currency derivatives

3,341

126

640

457

(4,129)

(435)

-

Net financial debt by currency after taking into account the nominal amount of derivatives

28,403

4,090

1,485

979

129

773

35,859

(1)

Including the market value of derivatives in local currency.



Analysis of net financial debt by entity

 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

France Telecom S.A.

30,195

32,392

TP Group

1,300

1,512

FT España

1,268

1,426

Securitization debt

1,231

1,111

Other

1,865

1,539

Total

35,859

37,980


21.3 Perpetual bonds redeemable for shares (TDIRA)

On March 3, 2003, under the terms of the MobilCom Settlement Agreement (see Note 30), France Telecom issued 430,705 perpetual bonds redeemable for shares (TDIRA), with a nominal value of 14,100 euros each, representing a total amount of 6,073 million euros, of which 341,910 were reserved for members of the banking syndicate (the "Bank Tranche") and 88,795 for MobilCom's suppliers (the "Supplier Tranche"). The TDIRA are listed on Eurolist by Euronext Paris (international section) and were approved by the Commission des Opérations de Bourse (French Securities Regulator) on February 24, 2003.

They are redeemable for new France Telecom ordinary shares, at any time at the holders' request or, under certain conditions as described in the appropriate information memorandum, at France Telecom's initiative based on a ratio of 444.5073 shares for one TDIRA for the Bank Tranche (i.e. redemption price of 31.72 euros) and 376.5616 shares for one TDIRA for the Supplier Tranche (i.e. redemption price of 37.44 euros), as the initial ratio of 300 shares for one TDIRA has been adjusted several times to protect bondholders’ rights. In addition, during the first seven years, the redemption rate for the Bank Tranche of the TDIRA will be adjusted to compensate for any dividend distribution, if these distributions are not otherwise taken into account through another adjustment.

Since January 1, 2006 and until December 31, 2009 inclusive, as France Telecom has fulfilled the credit rating and share price conditions as described in the above mentioned information memorandum, the interest rate on the TDIRAs has been 5.25%. It will be 3-month Euribor + 2.5% thereafter. The interest is recorded on an annual basis in the income statement. On January 2, 2009, France Telecom paid a coupon of 171 million euros.

If no dividend payment is voted in the Ordinary Shareholders' Meeting or no interim dividend is paid by the Board of Directors during the 12 months preceding the coupon payment, France Telecom can delay the payment of the coupon. The amount of interest due will bear interest at 12-month Euribor rate until the deferred payments are made. This deferred interest must be paid in full - including the related accrued interests - at the payment date of the coupon following any decision to pay a dividend or interim dividend and before redemption of the TDIRA. When payment is deferred, identified interests and/or capitalized interests are recognized as accrued interests and included in the "TDIRA" line under liabilities.

In 2008, France Telecom redeemed 44,637 TDIRA from the Bank Tranche for a nominal amount of 629 million euros including 517 million euros in respect of the liability component. Taking account of redemptions made since their issue, 230,382 TDIRA remain outstanding at December 31, 2008, including 143,360 for the Bank Tranche and 87,022 for the Supplier Tranche, for a nominal amount of 3,248 million euros.

The TDIRA are classified as hybrid instruments, with the following breakdown at December 31, 2008:

a liability component of 2,860 million euros;

an equity component before deferred taxes of 1,092 million euros.


The liability component breaks down as follows:

 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

Number

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

Opening balance

275,019

3,354

3,609

Redemptions (1)

(44,637)

(517)

(307)

Impact of measuring bonds at amortized cost

 

57

71

Change in accrued interests

 

(34)

(19)

Closing balance

230,382

2,860(2)

3,354

Effective interest rate on the liability component

 

7.51%

8.90%

Interest expense

 

220

232

(1)

In 2008, the redemptions generated an expense of 48 million euros which represents the difference between amortized cost and the liability/equity breakdown on the redemption date (60 millions euros at December 2007).

(2)

Including an amortized cost of 221 million euros at December 31, 2008 (203 million euros at December 31, 2007).



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-67



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21.4 Bonds, excluding TDIRA

 The overall effective interest rates on bonds before derivatives amount to:

for France Telecom S.A., 6.33% at December 31, 2008 (6.40% at December 31, 2007);

for TP Group, 4.72% at December 31, 2008 (6.74% at December 31, 2007).

France Telecom S.A. - bonds convertible and/or exchangeable into new or existing France Telecom shares (OCEANE)

These are bonds with a nominal value of 2,581 euros that are convertible and/or exchangeable for new or existing France Telecom shares. They have been redeemable or exchangeable since October 20, 2004, at a rate of 103,621 France Telecom shares per bond, i.e. a conversion price of 24.91 euros per share. The initial ratio of 100 France Telecom shares per bond was adjusted on several occasions to protect the bondholders’ rights. These bonds are classified as hybrid instruments, with the following breakdown at December 31, 2008:

a liability component of 659 million euros;

an equity component before deferred taxes of 97 million euros.


The liability component breaks down as follows:

 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

Number

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

Opening balance

445,564

1,142

1,116

Redemptions

(194,177)

(501)

-

Impact of measuring bonds at amortized cost

 

26

26

Change in accrued interests

 

(8)

0

Closing balance

251,387

659 (1)

1,142

Effective interest rate on the liability component

 

5.18%

3.97%

Interest expense

 

18

18

(1)

Including an amortized cost of 55 million euros at December 31, 2008 (70 million euros at December 31, 2007).


Since September 2008, France Telecom has redeemed OCEANE for a nominal value of 501 million euros.

The OCEANE were totally redeemed on January 2, 2009.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-68



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France Telecom S.A. – other bonds

All EMTN private issues are now presented under Bonds. In 2007, they were presented under Bank loans for an amount of 1,722 million euros.


 (in millions of euros)

 

Outstanding at

Initial currency

Initial nominal amount

Maturity

Nominal interest rate (%)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

(in millions of currency units)

 

 

  

Bonds maturing in 2008

 

 

 

4,610

FRF (3)

1,500

January 25, 2009

TEC10 (1) less 0.75

229

229

EUR (5)

50

May 11, 2009

5.294

50

50

EUR

2,500

December 23, 2009

7.000

2,500

2,500

EUR (5)

300

June 9, 2010

3.813

300

300

FRF (3)

3,000

July 25, 2010

5.700

457

457

EUR

1,000

October 14, 2010

3.000

1,000

1,000

EUR

1,400

November 10, 2010

6.625

1,400

1,400

USD (2)

3,500

 March 1, 2011

7.750

2,432

2,299

GBP (2)

600

March 14, 2011

7.500

614

798

JPY (5)

15,000

May 10, 2011

1.820

119

91

JPY (5)

7,000

May 10, 2011

1.218

55

42

CAD

250

June 23, 2011

4.950

147

173

EUR

750

January 23, 2012

4.625

750

750

EUR (4)

 1,225

February 21, 2012

4.375

1,225

1,000

CHF

400

April 11, 2012

2.750

269

242

GBP

250

May 24, 2012

5.500

263

341

EUR

3,500

January 28, 2013

7.250

3,500

3,500

EUR (4)

750

May 22, 2014

5.250

750

-

CHF

400

December 4, 2014

3.500

269

242

EUR (4)

1,150

October 14, 2015

3.625

1,150

1,000

CAD

200

June 23, 2016

5,500

118

138

EUR (4)

1,900

February 21, 2017

4.750

1,900

1,500

EUR (5)

100

December 4, 2017

2.600

100

100

GBP

500

December 20, 2017

8.000

525

682

EUR (4)

1,550

May 22, 2018

5.625

1,550

-

EUR (4)

465

July 25, 2018

EUR HICP (6)

465

-

GBP

450

November 10, 2020

7.250

472

614

EUR (5)

500

November 13, 2022

4.219

500

500

GBP

350

December 5, 2025

5.250

367

477

GBP (4)

500

November 20, 2028

8.125

525

-

USD (2)

2,500

March 1, 2031

8.500

1,769

1,697

EUR

1,500

January 28, 2033

8.125

1,500

1,500

GBP

500

January 23, 2034

5.625

525

682

GBP

250

March 29, 2037

6.000

263

341

Total other bonds outstanding

28,058

29,255

Accrued interests

827

930

Other adjustments

44

(42)

Total

28,929

30,143

(1)

TEC10: variable-rate (constant benchmark index) with a 10-year maturity, determined by the Comité de Normalisation Obligataire.

(2)

Bonds with a step-up clause (clause that triggers an increase in interest payments if France Telecom's credit rating from the rating agencies drops).

(3)

These bonds, initially denominated in French francs, have been translated into euros.

(4)

Bonds or new tranches issued during 2008.

(5)

EMTN private issues, which were previously presented under Bank loans.

(6)

EUR HICP: Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices, an indicator of inflation and price stability calculated by the European Central Bank.

France Telecom S.A.'s bonds at December 31, 2008 are repayable at maturity, and no specific guarantee has been given in relation to their issuance. Certain bonds may be redeemed in advance, at the request of the issuer.


TP Group

(in millions of euros)

  

Outstanding at

Initial currency

Initial nominal amount

Maturity

Nominal interest rate (%)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

(in millions of currency units)

    

Bonds maturing in 2008

   

543

EUR

300

July 5, 2011

4.625

300

300

Total bonds outstanding

300

843

Accrued interests

(1)

(2)

Other adjustments

8

8

Total

307

849



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-69



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21.5 Bank loans

The table below provides an analysis of bank loans by issuer:

 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

TP Group (1)

1,420

523

FT España (1)

1,140

1,420

ECMS (1)

499

337

France Telecom S.A.

270

175

Other (2)

341

219

Total

3,670

2,674

(1)

Credit line drawdowns.

(2)

Includes 102 million euros of credit lines drawn down at December 31, 2008 (140 million euros at December 31, 2007).


The overall effective interest rates on bank borrowings before derivatives amount to:

for TP Group, 6.31% at December 31, 2008 (5.45% at December 31, 2007);

for FT España, 3.04% at December 31, 2008 (4.71% at December 31, 2007);

for ECMS, 12.59% at December 31, 2008 (10.21% at December 31, 2007);

for France Telecom S.A., 5.46% at December 31, 2008 (6.00% at December 31, 2007).

Credit lines

At December 31, 2008, the France Telecom Group has access to credit facilities in the form of bilateral credit lines and syndicated credit lines.


  

Year ended

    

December 31, 2008

 
 

Currency

Amount available in foreign currency

Euro-equivalent

Amounts drawn down

Maturity

  

(in millions)

(in millions)

(in millions of euros)

 

Bank overdrafts

     

- France Telecom S.A.

EUR

150

150

-

-

Syndicated credit lines

     

- France Telecom S.A.

EUR

8,000

8,000

-

June 20, 2012

- TP Group

EUR

550

550

-

April 18, 2010

 

PLN

2,500

602

602

February 20, 2011

 - FT España

EUR

1,140

1,140

1,140

June 30, 2010

- ECMS

EGP

1,050

137

137

April 30, 2013

 

EGP

1,639

214

214

August 14, 2014

 

EGP

1,568

204

135

February 26, 2015

- Orange Slovensko

SKK

6,000

199

60

December 5, 2011

- Other

  

45

40

 

Bilateral credit lines

     

- TP Group

PLN

1,000

241

241

June 30, 2010

 

EUR

117

117

117

June 15, 2012

 

PLN

182

44

44

June 15, 2012

 

PLN (1)

1,391

335

335

September 15, 2013

 

EUR

59

59

59

December 15, 2015

 

USD

18

13

13

January 2, 2021

- FT España

EUR

180

180

-

2009 (2)

- Other

  

31

0

 

Total

  

12,261

3,137

 

(1)

Amounts may be drawn in different currencies (zloty, euro, dollar, pound sterling).

(2)

This credit line comprises six tranches of 30 million euros, with maturities between February 15 and December 21, 2009.


Most of the Group's credit lines bear interest at floating rates.

Any specific contingent commitments in respect of compliance with financial ratios are presented in Note 27.4.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-70



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NOTE 22 - DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS


 

At December 31, 2008

At December 31, 2007

(in millions of euros)

Assets

Liabilities

Net

Assets

Liabilities

Net

Cash flow hedge derivatives

572

(96)

476

11

(379)

(368)

Fair value hedge derivatives

127

(529)

(402)

43

(929)

(886)

Net investment hedge derivatives

-

(27)

(27)

-

-

-

Hedging derivatives

699 (1)

(652)

47

54 (2)

(1,308)

(1,254)

Amena price guarantee (3)

-

(810)

(810)

-

(516)

(516)

Derivatives held for trading

216

(543)

(327)

98

(288)

(190)

Total derivative instruments

915

(2,005)

(1,090)

152

(2,112)

(1,960)

of which foreign exchange impacts

  

(980)

  

(1,774)

of which interest rate impacts

  

700

  

322

(1)

Of which 624 million euros non-current and 75 million euros current.

(2)

Of which 42 million euros non-current and 12 million euros current.

(3)

See Note 29.

22.1 Cash flow hedges

To hedge the exposure of some of their financial cash flows, the subsidiaries of the France Telecom Group have set up risk hedging policies.



Entity


Currency

Hedged nominal
amount

(in millions of
currency units)

Maturity date of
hedged item

Hedging instrument

Hedged risk

France Telecom S.A.

CAD

250

June 23, 2011

Cross-currency interest rate swaps

Currency risk

TP S.A.

EUR

130

July 5, 2011

Cross-currency swaps and cross-currency interest rate swaps

Currency risk

TP S.A.

EUR

44

June 15, 2012

Cross-currency swaps

Currency risk

TP S.A.

PLN

182

June 15, 2012

Interest rate swaps

Interest rate risk

France Telecom S.A.

CHF

400

December 4, 2014

Cross-currency interest rate swaps

Currency risk

France Telecom S.A.

CAD

200

June 23, 2016

Cross-currency interest rate swaps

Currency risk

France Telecom S.A.

EUR

350

July 25, 2018

Interest rate swaps

Interest rate risk (HICP inflation index)

FTImmoH

EUR

96

June 29, 2020

Interest rate swaps

Interest rate risk

France Telecom S.A.

USD

2,198

March 1, 2031

Cross-currency interest rate swaps

Currency risk


For each hedging relationship, the hedged item has an impact on the income statement:

each year on interest payment dates;

each year, on recognition of unrealized foreign exchange gains or losses upon revaluation of the nominal amount;

at maturity of the hedged item, on recognition of the realized foreign exchange gains or losses upon revaluation of the nominal amount.


To hedge the exposure of some of their operating cash flows (purchase or sale) in foreign currencies, the subsidiaries of the France Telecom Group have set up risk hedging policies.



Entity


Currency

Hedged nominal amount

(in millions of
currency units)

Maturity date of hedged item

Hedging instrument

Hedged risk

Orange Romania

RON

79

2009

Forward purchases - Romanian lei

Operating income in Romanian leu

Orange in the UK

EUR

413

2009

Forward purchases - euros

Purchases in euros

Orange in Switzerland

EUR

58

2009

Forward purchases - euros

Purchases in euros

TP Group

EUR

53

2009/2012

Forward purchases - euros

Payment for UMTS license in euros



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-71



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For each hedging relationship, the hedged item has an impact on the income statement of 2009.

 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

Gain (loss) recognized in equity during the period

436

Amount reclassified from equity to income for the period

24

Effectiveness recycled to operating income

(2)

Effectiveness recycled to financial income

(22)

Ineffectiveness (finance costs, net)

(5)


As the nominal amount of the bonds issued in foreign currencies is revalued at the year-end closing rate in the financial statements, an unrealized foreign exchange gain or loss on the hedged item is recognized in the income statement. Accordingly, the unrealized foreign exchange gain or loss on the foreign exchange derivatives is recorded directly in the income statement to offset the impact.

22.2 Fair value hedges

The main purpose of the France Telecom Group's fair value hedges is to switch its fixed-rate debt into variable rate debt and, for certain hedges, to convert foreign currency issues into euro issues.



Entity


Currency

Hedged nominal amount

(in millions of
currency units)

Maturity date of
hedged item

Hedging instrument

Hedged risk

TP S.A.

EUR

10

July 5, 2011

Cross-currency swaps

Currency risk

France Telecom S.A.

USD

1,500

March 1, 2011

Cross-currency interest rate swaps

 Interest and currency risk

France Telecom S.A.

JPY

15,000

May 10, 2011

Cross-currency interest rate swaps

 Interest and currency risk

France Telecom S.A.

CHF

400

April 11, 2012

Interest rate swaps

Interest rate risk

France Telecom S.A.

GBP

250

May 24, 2012

Interest rate swaps

Interest rate risk

France Telecom S.A.

EUR

300

May 22, 2018

Interest rate swaps

Interest rate risk

France Telecom S.A.

EUR

115

July 25, 2018

Interest rate swaps

Interest rate risk

(HICP inflation index)

France Telecom S.A.

GBP

350

December 5, 2025

Interest rate swaps

Interest rate risk, partial maturity hedge until December 5, 2010

France Telecom S.A.

GBP

500

January 23, 2034

Interest rate swaps

interest rate risk, partial maturity hedge until January 23, 2011

France Telecom S.A.

GBP

250

March 29, 2037

Cross-currency interest rate swaps

Interest and currency risk, partial maturity hedge until March 29, 2012



 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

Gain (loss) recognized on hedging instruments existing at December 31, 2008

172

Accrued interests

(7)

Gain (loss) recognized on hedging instruments (excluding accrued interests) (1)

179

Gain (loss) recognized on hedged items

(170)

Ineffectiveness (finance costs, net)

9

(1)

Used in effectiveness tests.

22.3 Net investment hedges

In 2008, the France Telecom Group set up derivatives to hedge its foreign exchange risk on its net investment in Switzerland. These are cross currency interest rate swaps for which the foreign exchange component qualified as a net investment hedge.

At December 31, 2008, the hedged nominal amount adds up to 400 million euros for net assets in Swiss francs amounting to 865 millions euros excluding net debt (see Note 27).


 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

Gain (loss) recognized in equity during the period

(26)

Amount reclassified from equity to income for the period

-

Effectiveness recycled to income statement

-

Ineffectiveness (finance costs, net)

(1)


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-72



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NOTE 23 - EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

23.1 Key figures

 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

Notes

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

December 31, 2006

Pensions and other long-term employee benefit obligations

23.2

591

598

581

Provision for employment termination benefits

23.3 and 24

897

1,472

2,329

Liabilities connected with the employee shareholding plans

 

21

40

-

Other employer-related payables and payroll taxes due

 

1,647

1,778

1,559

Total employee benefit obligations

 

3,156

3,888

4,469

Of which non-current employee benefits

 

559

535

534

Of which current employee benefits

 

1,700

1,881

1,606

Of which provisions

 

897

1,472

2,329

23.2

 Pensions and other long-term employee benefit obligations

Pensions and other long-term employee benefit obligations, which are estimated taking account of actuarial assumptions, comprise post-employment benefits and other long-term benefits.

Post-employment benefits include:

retirement compensation;

other pension plans: the benefits provided under these plans are primarily based on years of service and average compensation, or a monthly retirement benefit amount;

benefits other than pensions.

Other long-term benefits granted by France Telecom mainly concern seniority awards and long-term leaves.

France Telecom offers these benefits mostly under defined contribution plans. The Group's obligations under defined contribution plans are limited to the payment of contributions to independent institutions, which are in charge of their administrative and financial management. The expense related to pensions recognized under defined contribution plans amounts to 990 million euros in 2008 (1,017 million euros in 2007).

France Telecom also uses defined benefit plans which, unlike defined contribution plans, create future obligations for the Group. Part of these obligations is pre-financed through employer and employee contributions, which are managed by separate legal entities whose investments are subjected to fluctuations in the financial markets. These entities are generally administrated by joint committees comprising representatives of the Group and of the beneficiaries. Each committee adopts its own investment strategy, which is designed to strike the optimum balance between liabilities to be funded and assets invested, based on specific analyses carried out by external experts. The implementation of the investment strategies is generally carried out by fund managers selected by the joint committees and depends on market opportunities. Assets are mostly invested in listed securities (equities, debt securities , mutual funds), and the use of other asset classes is limited.


The actuarial assumptions used for the main geographic areas, which account for 70% of France Telecom's pension and other long-term employee benefit obligations, are the following:

 

Year ended

 

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

Euro area (1)

  

Discount rate

5.25% to 5.30% (long term)

4.50% (medium term)

5.00% to 5.50% (long term)

4.75% to 5.00% (medium term)

Average expected long-term increase in salaries

2% to 4%

2% to 4%

Long term inflation rate

2%

2%

Expected return on plan assets

4.30%

4.90%

UK (2)

  

Discount rate

6.50%

5.75%

Average expected long-term increase in salaries

3.25%

3.25%

Long term inflation rate

2.75%

3.25%

Expected return on plan assets

6.00% and 7.50%

5.50% and 7.25%

Poland (3)

  

Discount rate

6.00%

5.50%

Average expected long-term increase in salaries

3.50%

3.00%

Long term inflation rate

2.50%

2.00%

(1)

Obligations in this area amount to 54% of the Group's total obligations.

(2)

Obligations in this area amount to 9% of the Group's total obligations.

(3)

Obligations in this area amount to 7% of the Group's total obligations.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-73



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The discount rates, which are determined by country or geographic area, are based on the yields of top-rated corporate bonds. They have been calculated based on external indices commonly used as a reference. Owing to unusual market conditions in 2008, the Group ascertained that these indices were relevant by analyzing their composition (and primarily, the quality of the issuers). When necessary, the indices including bond issues from certain financial institutions were restated. Due to the lack of a liquid market for corporate bonds in Poland, the discount rate applied is the rate on government bonds.

A 100 basis point fall in the discount rates used in the Euro area would lead to a 38 million euro increase in obligations.

The expected long-term return on plan assets has been determined on the basis of a plan-by-plan analysis taking account of the expected return on each type of asset in the portfolio. The expected return rate on each type of asset is estimated using an analysis of changes in the rate of inflation, long-term interest rates and the associated risk premium. These factors are combined and compared to the market to determine long-term return assumptions.


The retirement plan assets are mainly located in Kenya (39%), United Kingdom (26%), Switzerland (20%) and France (11%).

The following table provides a breakdown of France Telecom plan assets:

 

Year ended

 

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

Plan assets

  

Equities

24.0%

45.1%

Debt securities

33.8%

38.0%

Money market assets

25.3%

10.3%

Real estate

15.6%

5.6%

Other

1.3%

1.0%

Total

100.0%

100.0%


The table below provides details on the movements in value of obligations related to defined benefit plans :


 

Post-employment benefits

Long-term benefits

Year ended



(in millions of euros)

Annuity-based plans

Capital-based plans

Other post-employment benefits

December 31, 2008

December 31,
2007

Benefit obligations at the beginning of the year

348

300

66

251

965

943

Service cost

16

22

1

24

63

70

Discounting cost

17

16

3

3

39

36

Employee contributions

4

-

-

-

4

5

Plan amendments

-

1

-

-

1

17

Curtailments/settlements

(5)

(5)

(1)

(3)

(14)

(14)

Actuarial losses/(gains) arising from changes of assumptions

(19)

(2)

-

-

(21)

(15)

Actuarial losses/(gains) arising from experience

6

1

5

-

12

17

Benefits paid

(31)

(25)

(4)

(33)

(93)

(76)

Changes in the scope of consolidation 

-

3

-

-

3

(6)

Acquisitions/disposals

164

(2)

-

7

169

-

Other (exchange differences)

(51)

(2)

(3)

(6)

(62)

(12)

Benefit obligations at the end of the year (A)

449

307

67

243

1 066

965

- o/w benefit obligations at the end of the year in respect of employee benefit plans that are wholly or partly funded

449

-

-

-

449

348

- o/w benefit obligations at the end of the year in respect of employee benefit plans that are wholly unfunded

-

307

67

243

617

617


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-74



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Changes in plan assets break down as follows:


 

Post-employment benefits

Long-term benefits

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

Annuity-based plans

Capital-based plans

Other post-employment benefits


December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year

257

-

-

-

257

246

Actual return on plan assets

(35)

-

-

-

(35)

17

- expected return on plan assets

14

-

-

-

14

13

- actuarial (gains)/losses arising from experience

(49)

-

-

-

(49)

4

Employer contributions

37

-

-

-

37

40

Employee contributions

4

-

-

-

4

5

Settlements

(4)

-

-

-

(4)

(10)

Benefits paid by the fund

(31)

-

-

-

(31)

(27)

Changes in the scope of consolidation 

-

-

-

-

-

-

Acquisitions/disposals

161

-

-

-

161

-

Other (exchange differences)

(48)

-

-

-

(48)

(14)

Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year (B)

341

-

-

-

341

257


The corresponding provisions at end of 2008 are as follows:


 

Post-employment benefits

Long-term benefits

Year ended


(in millions of euros)

Annuity-based plans

Capital-based plans

Other post-employment benefits


December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

Net funded status (A)-(B)

108

307

67

243

725

708

Unrecognized actuarial gains/losses

(50)

(43)

(12)

-

(105)

(68)

Unrecognized prior service cost

-

(32)

(3)

-

(35)

(42)

Asset ceiling adjustment

-

-

-

-

-

-

Provisions

64

232

52

243

591

600

Net plan assets

(6)

-

-

-

(6)

(2)

of which current provisions

0

18

3

40

61

83

of which non-current provisions

64

214

49

203

530

517


Changes in provisions can be broken down as follows:


 

Post-employment benefits

Long-term benefits

Year ended


(in millions of euros)

Annuity-based plans

Capital-based plans

Other post-employment benefits

December 31,

2008

December 31,

2007

Provision at the beginning of the year

78

214

55

251

598

581

Net periodic pension cost

22

43

4

22

91

111

Employer contributions

(37)

-

-

-

(37)

(40)

Benefits directly paid by the employer

-

(25)

(4)

(33)

(62)

(49)

Changes in the scope of consolidation 

-

3

-

-

3

(6)

Acquisitions/disposals

3

(2)

-

7

8

-

Other

(8)

(1)

(3)

(4)

(16)

1

Provision at the end of the year

64

232

52

243

591

600

Net plan assets

(6)

-

-

-

(6)

(2)



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-75



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The following table provides a breakdown of the net periodic pension cost:


 

Post-employment benefits

Long-term benefits

Year ended




(in millions of euros)

Annuity-based plans

Capital-based plans

Other post-employment benefits

 



December 31

 2008



December 31

2007



December 31

2006

Service cost

16

22

1

24

63

70

65

Discounting cost(1)

17

16

3

3

39

36

36

Expected return on plan assets (1)

(14)

-

-

-

(14)

(13)

(13)

Actuarial (gains)/losses

4

2

-

-

6

13

2

Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost

-

8

-

-

8

10

6

Impact of curtailments/settlements

(1)

(5)

-

(5)

(11)

(5)

(140)

Other adjustments

      

2

Total

22

43

4

22

91

111

(42)

(1)

Items included in the financial income


The total amount of obligations arising from healthcare coverage amounts to 8 million euros at December 31, 2008. A one-point percentage increase or decrease in the assumed healthcare cost trend rate would have had no material impact on the valuation of obligations at December 31, 2008 or on the amount of the expense for 2008.

France Telecom plans to pay 22 million euros during 2009 for its defined benefit plans.

23.3 Provisions for employment termination benefits

Provisions for employment termination benefits are composed of:

early retirement plans in France for civil servants and employees under private contract;

other termination benefits.

The assumptions used for early retirement plans granted in France, which account for 99% of France Telecom's obligations for termination benefits, are the following:

 

Year ended

 

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

Early retirement plan – France

  

Discount rate

4.00%

4.75%

Average expected long-term increase in salaries

2.00%

2.00%

Inflation rate

2.00%

2.00%

Due to the remaining duration of the early retirement plan, a reduction in the discount rate would not produce a material impact on the amount of obligations at the end of the year.


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-76



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The table below provides details of movements in the value of these obligations:

 

Termination benefits

Year ended


(in millions of euros)

Early retirement plan

Other employment termination benefits

December 31,

2008

December 31,

2007

Benefit obligations at the beginning of the year

1,466

6

1,472

2,329

Service cost

-

4

4

1

Discounting cost

49

-

49

69

Employee contributions

-

-

-

-

Plan amendments

-

-

-

-

Curtailments/settlements

-

-

-

-

Actuarial losses/(gains) arising from changes of assumptions

26

-

26

(18)

Actuarial losses/(gains) arising from experience

9

-

9

(3)

Benefits paid

(661)

-

(661)

(907)

Changes in the scope of consolidation 

-

(1)

(1)

-

Acquisitions/disposals

-

-

-

-

Other (exchange differences)

-

(1)

(1)

1

Benefit obligations at the end of the year

889

8

897

1,472

- o/w benefit obligations at the end of the year in respect of employee benefit plans that are wholly or partly funded

-

-

-

-

- o/w benefit obligations at the end of the year in respect of employee benefit plans that are wholly unfunded

889

8

897

1,472

Provisions at the end of the year

889

8

897

1,472

of which current provisions

489

5

494

671

of which non-current provisions

400

3

403

801

There are no plan assets associated with termination benefits.


The net periodic cost of these benefits is presented in the table below:

 

Termination benefits

Year ended


(in millions of euros)

Early retirement plan

Other employment termination benefits

December 31,

2008

December 31,

2007

December 31,

2006

Service cost

-

4

4

1

-

Discounting cost(1)

49

-

49

69

73

Actuarial (gains)/losses

35

-

35

(21)

294

Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost

-

-

-

-

-

Impact of curtailments/settlements

-

-

-

-

-

Asset ceiling adjustment

-

-

-

-

-

Total

84

4

88

49

367

(1)

Item included in the financial income


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-77



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NOTE 24 - PROVISIONS

24.1 Provisions analysis


(in millions of euros)


Notes

December 31, 2007

Additions

Utilizations

Reversals

(releases)


Discounting

Changes in scope,

reclassifications and translation adjustments


December 31, 2008

Early retirement plan

23.3 and 29

1,466

35

(661)

-

49

-

889

Other employment termination benefits

23.3

6

4

-

-

-

(2)

8

Restructuring provisions

24.2

191

149

(128)

(2)

1

(14)

197

Provisions for claims and litigations

30

472

106

(54)

(33)

-

4

495

Provisions for dismantling and restoring sites

24.3

532

-

(23)

-

18

39

566

Other provisions

 

582

186

(129)

(44)

-

(35)

560

Total

 

3,249

480 (1)

(995)

(79) (2)

68

(8)

2,715

o/w non-current provisions

 

1,657

149

(798)

(35)

67

222

1,262

o/w current provisions

 

1,592

331

(197)

(44)

1

(230)

1,453

(1)

Including a negative impact on operating income of 469 million euros

(2)

Including a positive impact on operating income of 79 million euros.


24.2 Restructuring provisions

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2007

Additions

Utilizations

Reversals (releases)

Discounting

Changes in scope, reclassifications and translation adjustments

December 31, 2008

Employee termination benefits

3

19

(18)

-

-

(1)

3

Site reorganization costs

11

12

(10)

-

-

(1)

12

Other

4

-

-

-

-

1

5

Sub-total PCS (1) (2)

18

31

(28)

-

-

(1)

20

Employee termination benefits

5

21

(23)

-

-

(1)

2

Other

-

21

-

-

-

-

21

Sub-total HCS (1) (3)

5

42

(23)

-

-

(1)

23

Employee termination benefits

5

-

(4)

-

-

-

1

Site reorganization costs

29

2

(3)

-

-

(3)

25

Sub-total ECS (1) (4)

34

2

(7)

-

-

(3)

26

Employee termination benefits

45

52

(34)

(1)

1

(9)

54

Other

2

-

-

(1)

-

-

1

Sub-total TP S.A. (5)

47

52

(34)

(2)

1

(9)

55

Employee termination benefits

26

4

-

-

-

-

30

Site reorganization costs

27

18

(22)

-

-

-

23

Other

34

-

(14)

-

-

-

20

Sub-total France Telecom S.A. (6)

87

22

 (36)

-

-

-

73

Total

191

149

(128)

(2)

1

(14)

197

(1)

Excluding TP S.A. and France Telecom S.A.

(2)

At December 31, 2008, mainly concerns costs related to vacant leased properties in the United Kingdom.

(3)

At December 31, 2008, mainly concerns costs for FT e-commerce restructuring.

(4)

At December 31, 2008, mainly concerns costs related to vacant leased properties, principally at Equant.

(5)

At December 31, 2008, mainly comprises employee termination costs relating to TP S.A., in accordance with the restructuring plan (concerns approximately 4,900 people from 2008 to 2011).

(6)

At December 31, 2008, mainly comprises:

-

departures in connection with the offer open to French civil servants of secondment within the public sector (see Note 30.4);

-

costs related to leased properties that have become vacant;

-

contributions to the Works Council in respect of early retirement plans.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-78



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24.3 Provisions for dismantling and restoring sites

The measurement of the obligation is based on dismantling costs (on a per-unit basis for telephone poles, terminals and public phones, and on a per-site basis for mobile antennae) incurred by France Telecom to meet its environmental commitments and annual scheduled asset returns for telephone poles and public telephones, and its estimated site departures for mobile antennae. These dismantling costs are calculated on the basis of the identified costs for the current financial year, extrapolated for future years using the best estimate of future trends in prices, inflation, etc., and are discounted at a risk-free rate. Forecasts of estimated site departures or asset returns are revised in light of future changes in regulations or technological requirements.


At December 31, 2008, the provision booked for dismantling and restoring sites mainly covered costs relating to:

restoring mobile telephony antennae sites: 237 million euros (215 million euros at December 31, 2007);

dismantling telephone poles: 164 million euros (156 million euros at December 31, 2007);

management of waste electrical and electronic equipment: 64 million euros (65 million euros at December 31, 2007);

dismantling public telephones: 53 million euros (62 million euros at December 31, 2007).


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-79



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NOTE 25 - OTHER LIABILITIES AND DEFERRED INCOME

25.1 Other liabilities


 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

VAT payable

888

952

Other taxes

352

351

Cable network access fees

606

653

Deferred gains and losses on securities (1)

143

157

Other

711

594

Total

2,700

2,707

Of which other non-current liabilities

711

870

Of which other current liabilities

1,989

1,837

(1)

At December 31, 2008, this item mainly comprises the deferred gain following the merger of FT España, FTOT and Amena for an amount of 115 million euros.


25.2 Deferred income

 

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

Prepaid telephone cards

577

634

Service access fees

898

1,000

Loyalty programs

208

128

Deferred revenue

1,017

1,146

Other

63

77

Total

2,763

2,985


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-80



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NOTE 26 - OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO SHARE-BASED PAYMENT AND SIMILAR COMPENSATION

The share-based payment expense is presented as follows:


(in millions of euros)

Notes

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

December 31, 2006

Free share award plans

26.1

   

France Telecom – France Plan

 

36

146

-

 France Telecom - International Plan

 

19

-

-

ECMS

 

2

3

-

Employee shareholding plan

26.2

-

107

-

Stock option plans

26.3

   

France Telecom 2005

 

14

18

19

France Telecom 2007

 

9

5

-

 Orange

   

7

 France Telecom (formerly Wanadoo)

   

3

Other

 

2

-

1

Total

 

82

279

30

The share-based payment expense for 2008 is recognized with a corresponding increase in equity, except for the costs relating to the employee liabilities and the joint social contributions under the international free share award plan (6 million euros), which are recognized in the balance sheet under employee benefits.

26.1 Free share award plans and similar compensation

France Telecom S.A. – France Plan

In 2007, France Telecom granted a free share award plan covering 10.8 million shares. The plan covers approximately 113,000 employees from France Telecom S.A. and most of its majority-owned French subsidiaries.

The free share award plan will vest on April 25, 2009 and the acquisition of the shares is contingent upon :

performance conditions: achievement of the cash flow set out in the NExT plan in 2007 and 2008, and cost of the plan to be covered by additional cash flow generated over the same period ; the cash flow performance conditions were met in 2007 and 2008;

beneficiaries must be contractually employed by the Group at the end of the vesting period.

The expense recognized in 2008 amounts to 36 million euros, against equity. A further expense estimated at 12 million euros will be recognized over the remaining vesting period until April 25, 2009.

France Telecom S.A. – International Plan

In addition to the free share award plan granted in France, an International Plan has been set up in various countries.

The shares will be awarded on December 4, 2009 (December 4, 2011 in the United Kingdom). In countries where local regulations, tax laws or labor laws do not allow the award of free shares, the beneficiaries of the International Plan will receive a cash amount equivalent to the France Telecom S.A. share price on December 4, 2009.

The vesting conditions for shares and the cash equivalent are the same as those applying under the France Plan.

The shares awarded may not be sold for a period of two years after the vesting date (three years for Spain) i.e. before December 4, 2011 (December 4, 2012 in Spain).


The fair value of the plan has been determined using a binomial model based on the following assumptions:


 

Share award plan

Similar compensation plan (payment in cash)

Accounting grant date of rights (1)

03/18/2008

03/18/2008

Grant date of shares (or cash equivalent)

12/04/2009 or 12/04/2011

12/04/2009

End of non-transferability period

12/04/2011 or 12/04/2012

-

Price of underlying at the grant date of rights

21.50 €

21.50 €

Price of underlying at the closing date

-

19.96 €

Subscription price (zero in the case of free share award plan)

0.00 €

-

Expected dividend payout ratio

6.0%

6.0%

Risk-free yield

3.48%

3.48%

Lending-borrowing rate (2)

5.24%

-

Fair value per share of benefit granted to employees

17.21 to 17.95

19.13 (3)

(1)

Date of the individual information of beneficiaries.

(2)

If applicable, corresponds to the lending-borrowing rate on France Telecom shares used to calculate the non-transferability cost.

(3)

If the plan involves a cash payment, at each closing date, the per-unit fair value of the benefit granted to employees is adjusted based on changes in actuarial assumptions and on the France Telecom S.A. share price up to the date of payment.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-81



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The fair value of the instruments granted represents a total of 46 million euros, including a non-transferability cost of 2 million euros. The non-transferability discount has been estimated by valuing the cost of a hedging strategy, the market variables of which are described above, combining the forward sale of the non-transferable shares and the purchase of an equivalent number of transferable shares for cash, financed by borrowings due at maturity.

An expense of 19 million euros (including social contributions) is recognized at December 31, 2008, with corresponding entries:

in equity (13 millions);

in employee benefits (liabilities and corresponding social contributions) for the cash-settled portion of the plan (6 millions).

A further expense estimated at 27 million euros will be progressively recognized over the remaining vesting period until December 4, 2011.

ECMS

In 2007, ECMS granted a free share award plan covering 417,000 shares which will vest progressively over a period of 40 months.

The expense recognized in 2008 amounts to 2 million euros, with a corresponding entry in equity. A further expense estimated at 1 million euros will be progressively recognized over the remaining vesting period until August 22, 2010.

26.2 Employee shareholding plan

As the French State sold 130 million of France Télécom shares in June 2007, employees and former employees of the France Telecom Group were proposed France Télécom shares and they acquired 14.4 million of them in 2007 (this number will be increased by a maximum of 0.6 million free shares offered by the French State subject to a holding period of three years applicable to the shares acquired under the transaction). As no vesting period was necessary to acquire shares, the full amount of the expense was recognized in 2007, for an amount of 107 million euros.

26.3 Stock option plans


26.3.1 Plans set up in 2008

No new stock option plan was granted during 2008 within the France Telecom Group.


26.3.2 Plans set up before 2008

France Telecom S.A. – 2007 plan

On May 21, 2007, France Telecom S.A. granted 10,093,300 stock options to certain executive officers and employees of the Group. The options may be exercised during a period of seven years beginning on May 21, 2010 and ending on May 21, 2017. The exercise price was set at 21.61 euros.

The shares acquired upon exercise of the options are subject to a non-transferability period ending on May 21, 2011. In addition, the options will not vest unless the beneficiaries have been employed by the Group for a period of at least three years beginning on of May 21, 2007.

TP S.A. – 2007 plan

TP S.A. granted 6,047,710 stock options to certain executive officers, exercisable for a period of seven years beginning on October 9, 2010 and ending on October 9, 2017.

The exercise price was set at 5.19 euros (by considering the closing exchange rate on December 31, 2008).

France Telecom S.A. – 2005 plan

In 2005, France Telecom S.A. granted stock options to its executive officers and employees. The scope of this plan was enlarged in 2006 following the consolidation of the Amena group. The weighted average exercise price is 23.46 euros.

The options are exercisable for a period of ten years. The vesting period is three years.

France Telecom S.A. plan (ex-Wanadoo)

Following the purchase of the minority interests in Wanadoo in September 2004, France Telecom undertook to guarantee the liquidity of the Wanadoo stock option plans by exchanging Wanadoo options for France Telecom S.A. options. These options are exercisable for a period of ten years from 2006.

Orange

Orange stock option plans, which have been exercisable since 2006, can be split into four categories: “International“, “France“, “USA “and "Sharesave“.

Following the purchase of the minority interests in Orange, France Telecom proposed a liquidity contract to the holders of Orange stock options and, in September 2005, it issued options liquidity instruments to facilitate the delivery of France Telecom S.A.'s shares.


Plan

Number of options granted

Remaining term to maturity (months)

End of vesting period

International

85,693,210

17

2006

France

45,983,363

19 to 49

2006

USA

3,621,755

16

2006

 “Sharesave UK Save - 5 years

4,037,379

-

2006

 “Sharesave UK Save - 3 years

5,839,507

-

2006

 “Sharesave" Netherlands

232,186

-

2006



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-82



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26.3.3 Changes in stock option plans

The following table summarizes the stock option plans granted to France Telecom Group employees at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 and 2006:


 

Year ended

 

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

December 31, 2006


STOCK OPTION PLAN

Number of options

Weighted average exercise price (euros)

Number of
options

Weighted average exercise price (euros)

Number of
options

Weighted average exercise price (euros)

Shares France Telecom (2005/2007)

      

Options outstanding at the beginning of the year

23,664,255

22.70

14,551,905

23.46

14,516,445

23.46

Granted

-

-

10,093,300

21.61

536,930

23.46

Exercised

(5,350)

23.46

(91,640)

22.58

-

-

Cancelled, lapsed

(1,034,340)

22.72

(889,310)

22.68

(501,470)

23.46

Options outstanding at the end of the year

22,624,565

22.70

23,664,255

22.70

14,551,905

23.46

Shares France Telecom plan (ex-Wanadoo)

      

Options outstanding at the beginning of the year

4,869,159

20.36

6,880,597

21.82

8,431,102

20.55

Exercised

(204,334)

15.31

(1,326,010)

14.99

(1,333,712)

14.20

Cancelled, lapsed

(20,591)

22.07

(685,428)

45.43

(199,686)

19.45

Expired

-

-

-

-

(17,107)

16.47

Options outstanding at the end of the year

4,644,234

20.57

4,869,159

20.36

6,880,597

21.82

Shares Orange (1)

      

Options outstanding at the beginning of the year

39,838,976

8.94

57,940,516

8.80

75,763,520

8.80

Granted

-

-

-

-

-

-

Exercised

(986,339)

7.51 €

(14,101,219)

8.12 €

(5,114,738)

6.59

Cancelled, lapsed

(566,098)

9.42 €

(4,000,321)

9.73 €

(12,708,266)

9.76

Options outstanding at the end of the year

38,286,539

8.97 €

39,838,976

8.94 €

57,940,516

8.80



 

Year ended

 

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

December 31, 2006


STOCK OPTION PLAN

Number of options

Weighted average exercise price (euros)

Number of options

Weighted average exercise price (euros)

Number of options

Weighted average exercise price (euros)

TP S.A. plan

      

Options outstanding at the beginning of the year

6,033,024

6.03 €

  

-

-

Granted

-

-

6,047,710

6.03 €

-

-

Exercised

-

-

-

-

-

-

Cancelled, lapsed

(1,286,922)

6.16 € (2)

(14,686)

5.73 €

-

-

Options outstanding at the end of the year

4,746,102

5.19 € (3)

6,033,024

6.03 €

-

-

Mobistar plan

      

Options outstanding at the beginning of the year

-

-

1,831

34.15 €

18,097

34.15

Granted

-

-

-

-

-

-

Exercised

-

-

(1,831)

34.15 €

(16,266)

34.15

Cancelled, lapsed

-

-

-

-

-

-

Options outstanding at the end of the year

-

-

-

-

1,831

34.15

ECMS

      

Options outstanding at the beginning of the year

-

-

-

-

493,750

5.35

Granted

-

-

-

-

-

-

Exercised

-

-

-

-

-

-

Cancelled, lapsed

-

-

-

-

(493,750)

5.35

Options outstanding at the end of the year

-

-

-

-

-

-

(1)

Due to the issuance of the options liquidity instruments and France Telecom's decision to grant new shares, the exercise of these options results in issuing new France Telecom S.A. shares.

(2)

Exchange rate used : average rate for 2008.

(3)

Exchange rate used : closing rate at December 31, 2008.




2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-83



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26.3.4 Options exercisable at year-end

Options exercisable at year-end were as follows:


 

Year ended December 31, 2008



STOCK OPTION PLANS

Number of unexercised options at year-end

Weighted average residual vesting period (in months)

Exercise price range

Number of options exercisable at year-end

France Telecom plan (2005/2007)

22,624,565

90

21.61 € - 23.48 €

13,068,815

France Telecom plan (ex-Wanadoo)

4,644,234

38

13.84 € - 48.70 €

4,644,234

Orange plan

38,286,539

26

6.14 € - 10.00 €

38,286,539

TP S.A. plan

4,746,102

105

5.19 €

55,072



 

Year ended December 31, 2007



STOCK OPTION PLANS

Number of unexercised options at year-end

Weighted average residual vesting period (in months)

Exercise price range (euros)

Number of options exercisable at year-end

France Telecom plan (2005/2007)

23,664,255

101

21.61 € - 23.48 €

-

France Telecom plan (ex-Wanadoo)

4,869,159

51

13.84 € - 48.70 €

4,869,159

Orange plan

39,838,976

35

4.30 € - 10.00 €

39,838,976

TP S.A. plan

6,033,024

117

6.03 €

-



 

Year ended December 31, 2006



STOCK OPTION PLANS

Number of unexercised options at year-end

Weighted average residual vesting period (in months)

Exercise price range (euros)

Number of options exercisable at year-end

France Telecom plan (2005/2007)

14,551,905

106

23.46 € - 23.48 €

-

France Telecom plan (ex-Wanadoo)

6,880,597

61

13.84 € - 48.70 €

6,880,597

Orange plan

57,940,516

43

4.72 € - 10.00 €

50,223,541

Mobistar plan

1,831

18

34.15 €

1,831


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-84



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NOTE 27 - OTHER INFORMATION ON EXPOSURE TO MARKET RISKS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

France Telecom's Treasury and Financing Committee reports to the Group Management Committee. It is chaired by the Group's Deputy Chief Financial Officer and meets quarterly.

It sets the guidelines for managing the Group's debt, especially its liquidity, interest rate, foreign exchange rate and counterparty risks exposure over the following months, and reviews past management (realized transactions, financial results).

27.1

Interest rate risk management

France Telecom seeks to balance its fixed-rate/variable-rate exposure in euros in order to minimize interest costs by using interest rate firm and conditional derivative instruments such as swaps, futures, caps and floors within limits established by the Treasury and Financing Committee.


Management of fixed-rate/variable-rate debt

In 2008, France Telecom S.A. issued a total debt of 4.3 billion euros with an average maturity of approximately 10 years and a weighted average coupon of approximately 5.94%. Most of the notes issued during the second half 2008 were converted to variable-rate debt owing to prospective declines in interest rates.

At December 31, 2008, 85% of the Group's net debt is at fixed rates, about the same as a year earlier (85.5% at December 31, 2007).

The average maturity of the Group's net debt, excluding TDIRAs, is 7.5 years (7.1 years at end 2007).


Analysis of the Group's sensitivity to changes in interest rates based on probable scenarii

The sensitivity of the Group's financial assets and liabilities to interest rate risk is analyzed only for components of net financial debt. Only these components are interest-bearing and are therefore exposed to interest rate risk.

Sensitivity of financial expense

Based on a constant amount of debt and a constant management policy, a 1% rise in interest rates would result in an increase of 38 million euros in financial expense and a 1% fall in interest rates would result in a decrease of 21 million euros.

Sensitivity of financial debt

A 1% rise in interest rates would lead to a reduction in the market value of net financial debt after derivatives of approximately 1.50 billion euros, which represents 4% of its market value. A 1% fall in interest rates would lead to an increase of approximately 1.52 billion euros (4% of its market value).

Sensitivity of cash flow hedge reserves

A 1% rise in interest rates would reduce the market value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges and the associated cash flow hedge reserves by approximately 46 million euros, which represents 8% of their current value. Conversely, a 1% fall in interest rates would result in a 58 million euro increase in these reserves, which represents 10% of their current value.

27.2 Foreign exchange risk management

Foreign exchange risk of entities

The Group's foreign operations are carried out by subsidiaries that operate in their own country and in their own currency. Their operational exposure to currency risk is therefore fairly limited.

To hedge the exposure of some of their operating cash flows (purchase or sale) in foreign currencies, the subsidiaries of the France Telecom Group have set up risk hedging policies (see Note 22).

Translation risk at Group level

Due to its international presence, the France Telecom Group is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from the conversion of income statements denominated in foreign currencies of its foreign subsidiaries.

The table below summarizes the sensitivity of France Telecom's consolidated income statement to a change of plus or minus 10% in foreign exchange rates against the euro, arising from the conversion of income statements denominated in foreign currencies of its foreign subsidiaries.


 

Contribution to consolidated financial statements

Sensitivity to a change in exchange rates of main currencies against the euro

(in millions of euros)

EUR

and SKK (1)

GBP

PLN

USD

Other currencies

Total

+ 10%

- 10%

Revenues

36,417

6,024

5,138

1,140

4,769

53,488

1,367

(1,118)

Gross operating margin (2)

13,988

1,242

2,209

291

1,669

19,399

416

(340)

Operating income

7,943

460

969

188

712

10,272

180

(147)

(1)

As Slovakia adopted the euro on January 1, 2009, the Group is no longer exposed to foreign exchange risk on the Slovak koruna.

(2)

See definition of GOM in Note 2.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-85



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France Telecom set up euro-zloty and euro-pound sterling economic hedges at the Group level in 2008 to reduce the foreign exchange risk related to the conversion of operating cash flows from Poland and the United Kingdom.

Foreign exchange risk at finance cost level

The Group's subsidiaries finance themselves in their functional currency whenever possible.

France Telecom S.A. generally hedges its foreign currency issues with derivatives or with assets in the same currency.

The following table provides details of the exposure to foreign exchange rate fluctuations of the net financial debt in foreign currencies of the entities with the highest exposure to currency risks. It also shows the sensitivity of these entities to a probable 10% change in the foreign exchange rates of the currencies to which they are exposed.


 

Currency exposure

Sensitivity to a change in foreign exchange rates against the euro or the zloty

(in millions of euros)


(in millions of currency units)

USD

GBP

CHF

DKK

PLN

EUR

Total converted

in euros

Change

+ 10%

Change

 - 10%

France Telecom S.A.

(17)

(18)

(83)

(1)

(0)

-

(87)

(10)

8

TP Group

(13)

-

-

-

-

(218)

(227)

(21)

25

Total (currency units)

(30)

(18)

(83)

(1)

(0)

(218)

(314)

  

Total (euros)

(22)

(18)

(56)

(0)

(0)

(218)

(314)

  


Translation and foreign exchange risks at balance sheet level

Due to its international presence, France Telecom Group's balance sheet is exposed to foreign exchange fluctuations. A rise in the euro affects the translation into the consolidated balance sheet of subsidiaries' assets denominated in foreign currencies. The currencies concerned are mainly the pound sterling and the zloty.

To hedge its largest foreign asset exposures, France Telecom has issued debt in the relevant currencies.


 

Contribution to consolidated financial statements

Sensitivity to a change in all currencies against the euro

 (in millions of euros)

EUR

and SKK (1)

GBP

PLN

CHF

USD

Other currencies

Total

Change

+ 10%

Change

 - 10%

Assets excluding net debt by currency (2)

48,163

6,637

6,938

865

51

4,403

67,057

2,099

(1,718)

Net debt by currency (3)

28,403

4,090

1,485

979

129

773

35,859

828

(678)

Net assets by currency

19,760

2,547

5,453 (4)

(114)

(78)

3,630

31,198

1,271

(1,040)

(1)

As Slovakia adopted the euro on January 1, 2009, the Group is no longer exposed to foreign exchange risk on the Slovak koruna.

(2)

Net assets by currency does not include components of net financial debt.

(3)

See Note 21.2.

(4)

Net assets in zlotys attributable to equity holders of France Telecom S.A. amount to 2,715 million euros.

In 2008, the decline in the pound sterling resulted in a 1.2 billion euro decline in gross financial debt.

To limit the translation risk on the balance sheet while taking advantage of attractive financing rates, in 2008, France Telecom secured 400 million euros of net investment hedges in Swiss francs.

27.3  Liquidity risk management

The France Telecom Group's policy is that it must be able to meet its upcoming loan repayments from available cash and existing credit lines, without recourse to additional financing, for at least the next 12 months.

Diversified sources of financing

France Telecom has diversified sources of financing:

issues in the short-term securities markets under the commercial papers program;

regular issues in the bond markets under the EMTN program;

undrawn syndicated credit line of 8 billion euros, maturing in June 2012.

In 2008, France Telecom took advantage of available market windows to prepare for refinancing its bond redemptions:

in March and April 2008, it issued three bonds series for 975 million euros via private issues and reopening existing bond issues;

in May 2008, it issued 2 billion euros in bonds in two tranches, a 6-year tranche and a 10-year tranche;

in September 2008, it issued 350 million euros in inflation-indexed bonds;

in November 2008, it issued i) an additional 300 million euro tranche of the 10-year bond issued in May 2008; ii) an additional 115 million euro tranche of the inflation-indexed bond; and iii) a 500 million pound sterling (approximately 590 million euro) bond issue.

 France Telecom's five-year Credit Default Swap remained relatively stable in 2008, by comparison with the market, with an average spread of approximately 97 basis points.


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-86



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Liquidity of investments

France Telecom invests its cash surplus in negotiable debt securities, mutual funds (OPCVM) and term deposits. As liquidity is the main priority for these short-term investments, most of them are invested for terms of less than three months.

Smoothing debt maturities

Debt maturities are spread consistently over the next years, as evidenced by the average maturity of net debt, which is 7.5 years at the end of 2008.

The following table shows undiscounted future cash flows for each financial liability shown on the balance sheet. The key assumptions used are:

Amounts in foreign currencies are translated at the year-end closing rate;

Future variable-rate interest is based on the last fixed coupon, except if a better estimate is available;

As the perpetual bonds redeemable for shares (TDIRA) are undated, redemptions of the nominal amount are not dated. In addition, from January 1, 2010, interest payable on the bonds will switch to a variable rate over an undetermined period of time (see Note 21.3). Accordingly interest from that date is no longer included as it would not provide relevant information.

The maturity dates of revolving credit facilities are the contractual maturity dates.


  

December 31, 2008

H1 2009

H2 2009

(in millions of euros)

Note

 

Nominal amounts

Interests

Nominal amounts

Interests

TDIRA

21

2,860

-

171

-

-

Bonds, excluding TDIRA

21

29,932

930

967

2,500

775

Bank loans

21

3,670

561

108

573

83

Finance lease liabilities

21

1,233

80

26

28

23

Commercial papers

21

603

600

4

-

-

Bank overdrafts

21

132

132

-

-

-

Securitized debt

21

1,231

436

-

795

-

Other financial liabilities

21

224

45

4

46

3

Financial liabilities at amortized cost excluding trade payables

 

39,885

2,784

1,280

3,942

884

Commitment to purchase minority interests

21

55

52

-

-

-

Amena price guarantee

22

810

810

-

-

-

Derivatives - liabilities

22

1,195

41

27

1

42

Derivatives - assets

22

(915)

(84)

(29)

(29)

5

Gross financial debt after derivatives

 

41,030

3,603

1,278

3,914

931

Deposits received from customers

 

133

-

-

-

-

Trade payables

 

10,017

8,728

12

707

11

Total financial liabilities (including derivative assets)

 

51,180

12,331

1,290

4,621

942

(1)

The amounts shown in this column are used to reconcile the nominal amounts breakdown with the balance on the balance sheet.


At December 31, 2008, the liquidity position of France Telecom is sufficient to cover its 2009 commitments linked to the net financial debt:

 

 

Year ended

 

Note

December 31, 2008

Bank overdrafts

21

(132)

Cash and cash equivalents

17 and 18

4,800

Other financial assets at fair value, excluding derivatives

18

611

Available undrawn amount of credit facilities

21

9,124

Liquidity position

 

14,403




2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-87



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2010

2011

2012

2013

2014 and beyond

Undated

Non-cash
items(1)

Nominal amounts

Interests

Nominal
amounts

Interests

Nominal
amounts

Interests

Nominal
amounts

Interests

Nominal
amounts

Interests

Nominal amounts

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

3,248

(388)

3,186

1,548

3,670

1,274

2,510

1,137

3,500

1,026

12,748

8,623

 

888

675

137

858

102

509

84

138

50

327

25

 

29

75

45

88

42

103

38

168

32

631

80

 

60

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

3

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

-

8

5

15

5

12

4

11

4

89

13

 

(2)

3,944

1,735

4,631

1,423

3,134

1,263

3,817

1,112

13,795

8,741

3,248

590

3

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

-

-

63

839

-

106

20

-

38

58

362

 

150

(1)

(18)

(21)

(30)

-

(22)

-

(10)

115

(222)

 

(895)

3,946

1,780

5,449

1,393

3,240

1,261

3,817

1,140

13,968

8,881

3,248

(155)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

133

-

 

-

104

37

36

11

30

11

29

11

300

138

 

83

4,050

1,817

5,485

1,404

3,270

1,272

3,846

1,151

14,401

9,019

3,248

(72)

            


Cash collateral on derivatives

The Group has negotiated cash collateral agreements which may result in monthly amounts payable to or receivable from various banks, representing the mark-to-market impact of all derivative instruments set up with these banks. Consequently, the amount of this cash collateral varies as the value of these operations changes in line with interest and exchange rates, and the thresholds set in the contracts. The amounts do not therefore change on a linear basis or identically by instrument. For France Telecom S.A., the amount of cash collateral is highly correlated with changes in the US dollar given the importance of cross-currency "euro borrower/US dollar lender" swaps in the derivatives portfolio. As the market value of foreign exchange derivatives increased over the period, primarily due to the appreciation in the euro-US dollar exchange rate, the deposit amounts to 238 million euros at Dec ember 31, 2008 (788 million euros at December 31, 2007). These deposits are presented under “Loans and other receivables“ (see Note 17).

France Telecom's debt ratings

France Telecom's debt ratings did not change in 2008. At December 31, 2008, they are as follows:


 

Standard & Poor's

Moody's

Fitch IBCA

Long-term debt

A-

A3

A-

Outlook

Stable

Stable

Stable

Short-term debt

A2

P2

F1


A portion of the debt (4.8 billion euros of the outstanding balance at December 31, 2008) is subject to step-up clauses. This amount does not include the TDIRA, whose step-up clauses are described in Note 21.

As France Telecom's ratings did not change in 2008, the step-up clauses were not triggered.

27.4 Management of covenants

Commitments with regard to financial ratios

Neither France Telecom S.A. nor TP Group has any credit facilities or borrowings subject to specific covenants with regard to financial ratios.

In respect of its 2003 bank financing contract, FT España must comply with the following ratios:

a EBITDA to interest expense ratio equal to or greater than 6.00 (EBITDA and interest expense as defined in the contracts);

a net bank debt to EBITDA ratio equal to or less than 2.60 (net bank debt and EBITDA as defined in the contracts).

In respect of its 2005, 2007 and 2008 bank financing contracts, ECMS must comply with the following covenant:

a net senior debt to EBITDA ratio equal to or less than 3.00 (net senior debt and EBITDA as defined in the contracts).

In addition, in respect of its 2005 bank financing contracts, ECMS must comply with the following covenant:

a net senior debt below 9.7 billion Egyptian pounds (net senior debt as defined in the contracts).

At December 31, 2008, these ratios are fully compliant.


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-88



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As regards structured financing contracts, several refund scenarii are possible for France Telecom S.A.'s trade receivables securitization programs: (i) standard repayment scenarios on the contractual maturity date of the programs; (ii) accelerated payment, notably in the event that France Telecom's long-term rating is downgraded to BB- or Ba3. In the case of accelerated payment, the securitization conduits cease to participate in financing new receivables, and cash received on receivables previously sold is used to repay holders of beneficial interests progressively.

Commitments related to instances of default or material adverse changes

Most of France Telecom's financing agreements, including in particular the 8 billion euro syndicated credit facility set up on June 20, 2005, as well as the bonds issued within the scope of the EMTN program, are not subject to cross default or prepayment clauses in the event of a material adverse change. When such clauses exist, accelerated repayment clauses stipulate that default on a given contract does not automatically lead to the accelerated repayment of all other contracts.

27.5

 Credit risk and counterparty risk management

Financial instruments that could potentially subject France Telecom to concentrations of counterparty risk consist primarily of trade receivables, cash and cash equivalents, investments and derivative financial instruments.

France Telecom considers that it has an extremely limited exposure to concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable due to its large and diverse customer base (residential, professional and large business customers) operating in numerous industries and located in many French regions and foreign countries. In addition, the maximum value of the counterparty risk on these financial assets is equal to their recognized net book value. An analysis of credit risk on net trade receivables past due is provided in Note 17.

France Telecom's policy is to invest its cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities with financial institutions and industrial groups with a long-term rating of A-/A3 or above. On the rare occasions when investments are made with lower-rated counterparties, the rating is therefore the best available rating in the country concerned.

France Telecom enters into interest rate and foreign exchange contracts with leading financial institutions. France Telecom also has collateralization agreements with the main counterparties to which it has the highest exposures. France Telecom believes that the risk of these counterparties defaulting is extremely low, since their credit ratings are monitored and financial exposure to any one financial institution is limited. Limits are set based on each financial institution's rating and equity, as well as on periodic analyses carried out by the Treasury and Financing Management Division. The maximum commitment is then determined based on the notional amounts of interest rate and foreign exchange contracts outstanding, to which coefficients are applied that take into account the remaining duration of the operation and the type of transaction involved. These ratios are mon itored periodically to reflect the risk. Limits are monitored and reported daily to the Group treasurer and head of dealing room.

27.6

Equity market risk

At December 31, 2008, France Telecom S.A. has no option to purchase its own shares and holds 10,113,380 treasury shares (see Note 20.2). Besides, the Group's exposure to market risk on shares of listed companies included in assets available for sale is not material and mutual funds investments (OPCVM) held at year-end do not contain any equity component. The France Telecom Group is exposed to equity risk through certain retirement plan assets (see Note 23) and, to a limited extent, through free share award plans and similar compensation (see Note 26.1).

Lastly, the representation of France Telecom's assets on the balance sheet may be affected by the market value of its subsidiaries' shares, which is one of the measurement variables used in impairment testing.

27.7

Equity management

France Telecom manages its equity as part of a balanced financial policy, aiming both to ensure flexible access to the capital markets, including for the purpose of investing in value creating projects, and to provide its shareholders with an attractive remuneration. This remuneration determined on the basis of the Group's organic cash flow, while taking account of sector practices.

Organic cash flow is measured as net cash provided by operating activities less acquisitions of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (net of the change in non-current trade payables) plus the proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. Organic cash flow is not an explicit measure of financial performance under IFRS and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures for other companies.

This policy has led France Telecom to set targets for net financial debt to EBITDA and shareholders’ remuneration.

EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) corresponds to the operating income before depreciation and amortization and before impairment of goodwill and impairment of non-current assets. In addition to items covered by the Gross Operating Margin (GOM) which was used until now, EBITDA includes employee profit sharing and share-based compensation, gains/losses on disposal of assets, restructuring costs and the share of profits/losses of associates. EBITDA is included as additional information and should not be considered as a substitute for operating income. EBITDA is not a financial performance indicator as defined by the IFRS standards and is not directly comparable to indicators referenced by the same name in other companies.

The targets for 2009 are as follows:

The group will continue to reduce debt with a net debt to EBITDA ratio below 2 in order to preserve the Group’s financial independence and flexibility;

The group will keep a distribution rate above or equal to 45% of its organic cash flow while maintaining a strong liquidity position.



 

Year ended

 

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

Net financial debt to GOM ratio

1.85

1.99

Organic cash flow (in millions of euros)

8,016

7,818

Dividends paid by the parent company (in millions of euros)

(4,949) (1)

 (3,117)

(1)

Including the 1,563 million euro interim dividend paid in 2008.


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-89



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NOTE 28 - OTHER INFORMATION ON THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES


The main methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments are described below.


Assets available for sale

The market value of non-consolidated investment securities in quoted companies and listed marketable securities is based on quoted prices at year-end.

Unlisted securities are measured using available information such as transaction value, discounted future cash flows and comparable multiples.

Loans and receivables

For cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and various deposits, France Telecom considers their carrying amount to be the best estimation for market value, due to the short-term maturity of these instruments.

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

For very short-term investments such as deposits, certificates of deposit, commercial papers or negotiable debt securities, France Telecom considers that the nominal value of the investment and the related accrued interest, to be the best estimation for market value.

The market value of mutual funds (OPCVM) is the latest settlement value.

Financial liabilities at amortized cost 

For trade payables and deposits received from customers, France Telecom considers the carrying value to be the best estimation for market value, due to the high liquidity of these instruments.

The market value of financial liabilities is determined using:

market value, for quoted bonds and for convertible, exchangeable and indexed bonds;

the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted using rates available to France Telecom at the end of the period, for unlisted instruments.

The results calculated using the internal valuation model are systematically benchmarked with the values provided by the banks.

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

The market value of firm or conditional commitments to purchase minority interests is measured in accordance with the clauses of the contracts.

Derivative instruments

The market value of the Amena price guarantee is based on a valuation model for call options, using the following variables: market value and volatility of the underlying element, maturity of the option and a risk-free interest rate.

The market value of other derivative instruments is determined using the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted using rates available to France Telecom at the end of the period. The results calculated using the internal valuation model are systematically benchmarked with the values provided by the banks.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-90



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Year ended

  

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007


(in millions of euros)

Note

Book value

Estimated fair value

Quoted price

Models based on observable variables

Other

Book value

Estimated fair value

Assets available for sale

15

203

203

13

-

190

518

518

Listed investment securities

 

13

13

13

-

-

47

47

Unlisted investment securities

 

96

96

-

-

96

354

354

Other

 

94

94

-

-

94

117

117

Loans and receivables

17

8,814

8,814

-

-

8,814

9,900

9,900

Trade receivables

 

6,163

6,163

-

-

6,163

6,556

6,556

Cash

 

1,034

1,034

-

-

1,034

1,303

1,303

Deposits and sundry items

 

1,236

1,236

-

-

1,236

1,636

1,636

Other

 

381

381

-

-

381

405

405

Assets at fair value through profit or loss, excluding derivatives

18

4,377

4,377

866

-

3,511

3,212

3,212

Mutual funds (OPCVM)

 

866

866

866

-

-

69

69

Other investments

 

3,511

3,511

-

-

3,511

3,143

3,143

Financial liabilities at amortized cost

21

50,035

51,008

1,192

34,336

15,480

51,241

52,237

Financial liabilities

 

39,885

40,858

1,192

34,336

5,330

41,226

42,222

Trade payables

 

10,017

10,017

-

-

10,017

10,015

10,015

Other

 

133

133

-

-

133

-

-

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, excluding derivatives

21

55

55

-

-

55

78

78

Net derivatives

22

1,090

1,090

-

280

810

1,960

1,960

Amena price guarantee

 

810

810

-

-

810

516

516

Other derivatives

 

280

280

-

280

-

1,444

1,444


The market value of France Telecom's net financial debt amounts to 36,832 million euros at December 31, 2008 (38,976 million euros at December 31 2007).


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-91



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NOTE 29 - OFF-BALANCE SHEET COMMITMENTS AND CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

At December 31, 2008, management considers that to the best of its knowledge, there were no existing commitments, other than those described in this note, likely to have a material effect on the current or future financial position of France Telecom.

Details of commitments and contractual obligations reflected on the balance sheet

The table below provides a schedule of commitments and contractual obligations reflected on the balance sheet at year-end. It covers gross financial debt after derivatives, early retirement plans, pensions and other post-employment benefits, and the TDIRA equity component.


Commitments and contractual obligations reflected on the balance sheet at December 31, 2008

 

  

Balance sheet at

December 31, 2008

Schedule of undiscounted future cash flows

(in millions of euros)

Note

Total /
Ceiling

Before end December
2009

Before end
December
2010

Before end
December
2011

Before end
December
2012

Before end
December
2013

As from
January
2014

Gross financial debt after derivatives

21

41,030

9,726

5,726

6,842

4,501

4,957

22,849

o/w: Credit line drawdowns (1)

 

3,137

1,147

756

907

556

172

139

OCEANE and TDIRA (2)

 

3,519

830

-

-

-

-

-

Finance leases

 

1,233

157

120

130

141

200

711

Amena price guarantee (3)

 

810

810

-

-

-

-

-

Early retirement plan

24

889

489

310

120

9

-

-

Pensions and other post-employment benefits

23

591

92

124

106

82

72

362

Total

 

42,510

10,307

6,160

7,068

4,592

5,029

23,211

(1)

Before accounting for the impact of derivatives.

(2)

Maximum amounts assuming no conversion or exchange. As the TDIRAs are undated, redemptions are not included in the schedule.

(3)

Earliest date on which the guarantee may be exercised. See below.


Amena price guarantee

At the time of the acquisition by France Telecom, on November 8, 2005, of Auna Operadores de Telecomunicaciones SA, which owns Retevision Movil SA (Amena), those shareholders holding the residual interest in Auna undertook not to sell their shares for a period of three years except in the event of a transfer to a Spanish entity that is not a competitor of France Telecom. At the end of this period, and for an initial period of one month (which was extended by mutual consent until March 5, 2009), the minority shareholders and France Telecom may discuss the potential purchase of these interests. After March 5, 2009, and for a period of six months, certain minority shareholders may decide to sell all of their shares provided that they have received from a third party, a "Bona Fide Offer", defined as an offer at least equal to a floor valuation of the shares as established by two investment ban ks. After receiving the "Bona Fide Offer", the minority shareholders are required to notify France Telecom, which may decide to acquire the shares or not.

If it acquires the shares, France Telecom has undertaken to pay a price per share at least equal to 90% of the price it paid for the Auna shares in 2005 plus capitalized annual interest of 4.5% (the "Guaranteed Price"). If it does not acquire the shares, France Telecom undertakes to indemnify the minority shareholders, if they actually sell their shares, for any negative difference between the price of the "Bona Fide Offer" and the "Guaranteed Price”. This price guarantee given to minority shareholders has been accounted for as a "synthetic" derivative and measured at fair value at December 31, 2008 for an amount of 810 million euros.

After the six-month period:

The minority shareholders may ask for the company's shares to be listed. The value of the shares must then be established by two investment banks. At any moment up to the date a prospectus is filed with the relevant stock exchange authorities, France Telecom can exercise its preemption right on the shares held by the minority shareholders, at a price at least equal to the Guaranteed Price per share.

For a period of five years after that date, France Telecom will hold a call option on the shares held by the minority shareholders, which may be exercised at a price equal to the higher of (i) the fair value of the shares or (ii) the Guaranteed Price.

29.1 Leasing commitments

Minimum future lease payments due under non-cancelable leases at December 31, 2008, by maturity


(in millions of euros)

Total

Before end
December
2009

Before end
December
2010

Before end
December
2011

Before end
December
2012

Before end
December
2013

As from
January
2014

Operating leases (1)

6,184

1,116


1,024

798


651

592

2,003

Finance leases (2)

1,459

157

120

130

141

200

711

(1)

Includes lease payments in the form of overhead (land, buildings, equipment, vehicles and other assets), including those relating to contracts entered into in connection with the sale of a portion of France Telecom's real estate assets (see below).

(2)

Included in financial debt (see Note 21). Including (i) lease payments on France Telecom S.A.'s QTE leases and (ii) 286 million in interest.

As part of the divestment of a portion of its real estate assets in 2001, 2002 and 2003, the Group undertook to re-lease these buildings under commercial operating leases, except for certain assets vacated in the short term. The Group may choose whether or not to renew these leases upon expiry or to replace them by other leases with renegotiated terms and conditions. The rental expense in respect of property sold under these disposal plans amounted to 318 million euros as of December 31, 2008.


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-92



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29.2 Investment and goods and services purchase commitments

Payments due by maturity at December 31, 2008

(in million of euros)

Total

Before end December
2009

Before end
December
2010

Before end
December
2011

Before end
December
2012

Before end
December
2013

As from
January
2014

Investment and goods and services purchase commitments

5,564

2,835

942

705

515

244

323

The most significant commitments to purchase goods and services entered into by the Group are contracts to purchase handsets and network equipment, services, content and telecommunication connections. Such purchases may form part of multi-year contracts. The main commitments at December 31, 2008 relate to the following:

the purchase of transmission capacity for an overall amount of 1,132 million euros, of which 688 million euros related to the provision of satellite transmission capacity (comprising contracts with different commitment maturities up until 2015);

purchases of mobile telephony equipment for an aggregate amount of 324 million euros;

maintaining submarine cables for which France Telecom has joint ownership or user rights, for an estimated overall amount of 156 million euros;

the acquisition of three out of the twelve lots put up for sale by the French ligue de football professionnel relating to rights to broadcast Ligue 1 matches for the next four seasons. The total amount of commitments amounted to 846 million euros, payable in installments up to 2012;

the acquisition of rights to broadcast content, principally from film studios, for the requirements of the Orange Cinéma Séries Service, for an estimated total amount of 337 million euros (the maturities of these commitments under the different contracts are spread out over time until 2014 depending on the contract).


Moreover, in respect of the Group’s largest investments, FT España had committed to investing 368 million euros from January 1, 2006 as part of the program to expand network coverage in rural areas of Spain. As of December 31, 2008, the Group considers that it has achieved the target and that this undertaking has been fulfilled. The bank guarantee relating to this undertaking will be released once the Spanish government has carried out the necessary verifications and notified FT España that it agrees that the undertaking has been fulfilled.

As part of the license award process, the Group has made certain commitments to various government authorities in terms of network coverage, number of subscribers and service quality. Meeting these commitments will require substantial investment expenditure in future years to roll out and enhance the networks. These commitments are not shown in the table above since they are not quantifiable. Non-compliance with these obligations could result in fines and other sanctions ultimately leading to withdrawal of licenses awarded. Management believes that the Group has the ability to fulfill these commitments to government authorities.

29.3 Guarantees

29.3.1 Guarantees given in the ordinary course of business


(in millions of euros)

 

Total /
Ceiling

Before end December
2009

Before end
December
2010

Before end
December
2011

Before end
December
2012

Before end
December
2013

As from
January
2014

Guarantees given to third parties by France Telecom in the ordinary course of business

 

173

31

6

3

15

21

97


The Group has not provided any material guarantees to cover the commitments of consolidated subsidiaries in which there are significant minority interests.

The Group's main commitments relating to borrowings are set out in Note 27.

Certain investments and other assets have been pledged to, or used as collateral for financial institutions to cover bank borrowings and credit lines (see Note 29.5).


29.3.2 Asset and liability guarantees granted in relation to disposals

As part of the agreements between certain Group companies and the acquirers of certain assets, subsidiaries or investments, the Group is subject to standard warranty clauses relating to assets and liabilities. All material sale agreements provide for ceilings on these warranties.

At December 31, 2008, the main warranties in effect are those granted to:

Tower Participations and its subsidiaries as part of the disposal of TDF, with a ceiling of 636 million euros. At December 31, 2008, the only specific warranties outstanding were given in relation to taxation and environmental law;

Deutsche Telekom as part of the disposal of its mobile and internet businesses in the Netherlands. The warranties are capped at 260 million euros and will expire in 2009, except for the warranties given in relation to taxation, which are capped at 400 million euros and will expire at the end of the statutory limitation period;

As part of the disposals of Casema and Orange Denmark. At December 31, 2008, the only warranties remaining were tax-related.

Management believes that the risk of these warranties enforced upon is remote or that the potential consequences of their being called upon are not material with regard to the Group's results and financial position.


2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-93



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29.3.3 Guarantees given to third parties under France Telecom S.A. QTE leases


(in millions of euros)

Total /
Ceiling

Before end December
2009

Before end
December
2010

Before end
December
2011

Before end
December
2012

Before end
December
2013

As from
January
2014

Guarantees given to third parties by France Telecom under France Telecom S.A. QTE leases.

332

-


9

-


10

-

313

As part of cross-leasing transactions ("QTE" leases) with various third parties, France Telecom delivered to investors, and then leased back, certain items of telecommunications equipment. Under these transactions, France Telecom guaranteed investors future payments of rents for a combined maximum of 435 million US dollars at December 31, 2008.

Under these QTE leases, France Telecom also provided counter-guarantees to the banks that granted letters of credit to investors. At December 31, 2008, the cumulative amount of letters of credit was 28 million US dollars, after taking into account the unwinding of certain transactions in December 2008.

France Telecom considers the risk that these guarantees will be called to be negligible.

29.4 Commitments to acquire or subscribe to securities

29.4.1 Unconditional commitments

Under the investment agreement signed with its partners in Orange Uganda in September 2008 (see Note 3), France Telecom has undertaken to participate in the company's financing via a 68 million US dollar share issue to be carried out in three tranches as from May 2009. As such, France Telecom shall be required to subscribe up to its 53% share and may in addition be required to substitute itself for any other shareholders that choose not to subscribe. The maximum amount of this commitment is therefore 68 million US dollars.

At December 31, 2008, France Telecom had no other material commitment to unconditionally acquire or subscribe to any securities.

29.4.2 Conditional commitments

As part of agreements between France Telecom and its partners within jointly held subsidiaries, France Telecom has conditionally undertaken to purchase shares held by such partners or to subscribe for new share issues or to sell its holdings. At December 31, 2008, the main agreements concerned Mobinil (Egypt), Sonaecom (Portugal) and Orange Austria (ex-One).


(in millions of euros)

Total

Before end December 2009

Before end December 2010

Before end December 2011

Before end December 2012

Before end December 2013

As from January 2014

Conditional commitments to acquire or subscribe to securities (1)

314

-

6

18

-

-

290

(1)

When the range of maturities spans several periods, the commitment is classified at the earliest maturity date. When the maturity is not fixed, the commitment is classified at the latest maturity date. Mainly comprises Mobinil (Egypt) in the event of a change of control of one of the parties.


Mobinil (Egypt)

The shareholders' agreement which governs relationships between France Telecom and Orascom provides that in the event of a change of control of one of the parties, that party shall have a put option over its shares and the other party shall have a call option over the shares. The exercise price of the put options is equal to the market value of the shares, determined on the basis of the share price of ECMS, a listed company whose total market capitalization was 1.8 billion euros on December 31, 2008 and which was 51% owned by Mobinil, which in turn is 71.25% owned by France Telecom. On this basis, France Telecom's maximum commitment at December 31, 2008 amounted to 272 million euros.

The shareholders' agreement governing the relationships between France Telecom and Orascom within Mobinil provides that in the event of serious disagreement between the parties, and in case the matter cannot be amicably resolved, the parties, having acknowledged the deadlock, may enter into a bidding process with a view to acquiring the other party's shares. The initial price offered may not be less than the market value of the shares, determined on the basis of the share price of ECMS. On August 8, 2007, Orascom initiated arbitration proceedings regarding the applicability of this provision (see Note 30).

Sonaecom (Portugal)

Under the agreements signed in June 2005 by which France Telecom acquired an interest in Sonaecom, Sonae had a call option and France Telecom had a put option exercisable in the event of the non-renewal of the strategic partnership agreement between the two parties initially fixed at a term of three years. As this strategic partnership was renewed in October 2008 for a further three year period and under new terms and conditions, the options held by France Telecom and Sonae have lapsed.

Orange Austria (ex-One)

Upon their acquisition of the entire share capital of Orange Austria (ex-One), the investment fund Mid Europa Partners and France Telecom entered into a shareholders' agreement which contains clauses governing transfer of the shares. Under the agreement, the parties undertake not to sell their holdings for a period of four years as of the acquisition date (i.e. until October 2, 2011). France Telecom has granted Mid Europa Partners a call option over its shares in the company at their market price should France Telecom make acquisitions giving rise to a conflict of interest. Upon expiration of the lock-up period, each shareholder has a right of first refusal over the shares of the other party should that party decide to sell them. France Telecom also has a call option over the shares owned by Mid Europa Partners upon expiration of the lock-up period.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-94



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29.5 Commitments relating to employees other than pensions and other post-employment benefits  

Regarding individual training rights for employees of French entities of the France Telecom Group, vested training rights not yet used totaled approximately 5 million hours at December 31, 2008.

In accordance with the accounting policies set out in Note 2, no provisions were recognized relating to statutory training rights in France Telecom's financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008.

29.6 Assets covered by commitments

The table below demonstrates the extent to which France Telecom has full rights of use over its assets at December 31, 2008.

  

Year ended

(in millions of euros)

Note

December 31, 2008

31 December 2007

Assets held under finance leases

29.6.1

602

573

Non-current pledged or mortgaged assets

29.6.2

1,261

1,553

Collateralized current assets

 

210

377

Securitized receivables

 

2,526

2,653

Total

 

4,599

5,156


29.6.1 Assets held under finance leases 

The amount of assets held under finance leases mainly included 143 million euros in respect of Orange’s in-substance defeasance operation in the United Kingdom at December 31, 2008 (219 million euros at December 31, 2007).


29.6.2 Non-current pledged or mortgaged assets

Non-current pledged or mortgaged assets correspond to assets given as guarantees.

 

Year ended December 31, 2008

(in millions of euros)

Total on balance sheet line (a)

Amount of asset pledged or mortgaged (b)

Percentage

(a) / (b)

Intangible assets, net (excluding goodwill)

14,451

4

0%

Property, plant and equipment, net

26,534

11

0%

Non-current loans and receivables (1)

1,554

1,246

80%

Other (2)

37,090

- (3)

n/a

Total non-current assets

79,629

1,261

2%

(1)

Including 1,005 million euros (nominal + interest) in the escrow account pursuant to the European Commission proceedings relating to the special French business tax (taxe professionelle) (see Notes 17.2 and 30).

(2)

This item includes net goodwill, interest accounted for by the equity method, assets available for sale and net deferred tax assets.

(3)

The value of the Orange Austria (ex-One) shares pledged is equal to zero (see Note 14).



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-95



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NOTE 30 - LITIGATION

In the ordinary course of business, France Telecom is involved in a number of legal and arbitration proceedings and administrative actions.

The costs that may result from these proceedings are only accrued for when it is probable that a liability will be incurred and the amount of that liability can be quantified or estimated within a reasonable range. The amount of the provisions recorded is based on a case-by-case assessment of the risk level, and events arising during the course of legal proceedings may require a reassessment of this risk.

At December 31, 2008, provisions totaling 495 million euros (compared with 472 million euros at December 31, 2007) were recorded in France Telecom’s accounts to cover all of the litigation proceedings in which it is involved. France Telecom does not provide details of the provisions, as it considers that their disclosure on a case-by-case basis could seriously harm the Group.

The litigation and claims that could have a significant effect on France Telecom’s financial position are described below.

Litigation related to competition law

A number of claims have been issued against France Telecom by competitors for alleged anti-competitive behavior, for which they are generally seeking a cease order. If the claims are upheld, France Telecom may also be ordered to pay fines. Competitors may also claim damages in civil or commercial proceedings for harm caused by these practices.

European Commission procedures and requests for information

In January 2003, the European Commission opened an inquiry into possible State aid in favor of France Telecom. The formal investigation procedure focused in particular on the special French business tax (taxe professionelle) regime resulting from France Telecom’s historical legal status established by the French law of July 2, 1990, to which it was subject from 1991 to 2002.

In its August 2, 2004 decision, the European Commission stated that this regime was incompatible with the European Union Treaty and ordered the French State to recover from France Telecom an amount of aid that it estimated to be between 798 million euros and 1.140 billion euros plus interest.

In January 2005, France Telecom lodged an appeal against this decision with the European Court of First Instance (ECFI). For its part, the French State had filed an equivalent appeal in October, 2004. In October, 2006, the European Commission asked the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to rule that the French authorities had failed to execute its decision.

On October 18, 2007, the ECJ concluded that the French authorities had failed to respect their obligation to execute this decision within the prescribed time limits. Following the October 18 ruling, France Telecom placed in an escrow account, pending the final decision on the substance of the matter, the amount of 757 million euros, increased to 813 million euros on February 6 2008 and to 964 million euros on July 30 2008, following discussions between the French authorities and the Commission staff with the participation of France Telecom. This amount corresponds to the Commission’s estimate of the supposed state aid but does not imply approval by the French authorities or France Telecom as to whether any state aid occurred, whether it is possible to establish an amount or the estimate made by the Commission staff. The amount in escrow will be transferred to the French State if the appeal of t he August 2, 2004 Commission decision should be dismissed by the ECFI. In the contrary event, it will be returned to the full possession of France Telecom.

The oral hearing before the ECFI took place on November 18, 2008. The tribunal decision is expected in 2009.

Following the oral hearing, the risk assessment in this litigation is unchanged and the risk continues to be classified as a contingent liability as defined by IAS 37 “Provisions, Contingent Assets and Contingent Liabilities”.


In December 2001, following a sector inquiry on the conditions for unbundling the local loop and providing access to broadband services in the European Union member states, the European Commission notified Wanadoo of claims arising from the company’s tariffs for the broadband Internet services Wanadoo ADSL and Pack eXtense. In July 2003, the European Commission ordered Wanadoo to pay a fine of 10.35 million euros for abuse of dominant position between March 2001 and October 2002. On January 30, 2007, the ECFI upheld this decision. France Telecom has filed an appeal with the European Court of Justice. A decision is expected in April 2009.

On May 20, 2008, the European Commission announced that it had launched formal inquiry proceedings concerning the pension plan for French civil servants employed by France Telecom. This step follows a complaint from Bouygues Telecom initiated in 2002.

The objective and effect of the pension plan implemented by the French law of July 26, 1996 was to bring the financing of the pension plan for French civil servants employed by France Telecom into line with pension plans applicable to employees of France Telecom competitors. As part of the new regime established by the 1996 law, France Telecom made an exceptional payment of 5.7 billion euros to the French State in 1997 and, since then, has made annual contributions in full discharge of its liabilities.

France Telecom considers that the sole effect of the pension plan system established in 1996 is to release the company from a structural disadvantage and that this reform contains no element of state aid. The company made observations as an intervenor in the proceedings. The European Commission is not bound by any time limit for rendering its decision, but Regulation CE 659/1999 provides a guideline of 18 months following the launch of the procedure.

In September 2008, the European Commission carried out an inspection in the offices of TP S.A and of its subsidiary PTK Centertel aimed at gathering evidence of a possible breach of competition law in the broadband market. At this stage of the proceedings, it is not possible to predict what action the Commission will take as a result of this inspection, given that the European Commission is not bound by any deadline for completing its investigations. TP S.A. has appealed to the ECFI from the Commission decision ordering this inspection.




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Proceedings with national competition authorities

Bouygues Telecom Caraïbes and Outremer Telecom brought claims before the Competition Council (Conseil de la concurrence) respectively in July 2004 and July 2005 regarding practices of Orange Caraïbes and of France Telecom in the mobile and fixed to mobile markets in the Caribbean and in French Guyana. The initial complaint by Bougues Telecom Caraibes resulted in the adoption by the Competition Council of interim injunctions against Orange Caraibes in December 2004. Further to an appeal against this decision lodged by Orange Caraïbes, on January 28, 2005, the Paris Court of Appeal confirmed the principles behind these injunctions, while extending the timeframe for implementing two of them. An investigation into the substance of the case was opened in December 2005. In May 2007, the Competition Council joined the two proceedings. On A ugust 5, 2008, it issued a number of complaints concerning in particular tariff practices and exclusivity practices with distributors. A response was filed in November 2008. The proceedings could resume in 2009.

On December 1, 2005, the Competition Council ordered Orange France to pay a fine of 256 million euros for engaging in anti-competitive agreements with SFR and Bouygues Télécom which were said to restrict competition on the mobile telephony market. The criticized practices involved the exchange of strategic information and a market share stabilization agreement between 2000 and 2002. France Telecom paid this fine in 2005. On December 12, 2006, the Paris Court of Appeal rejected Orange France’s appeal, and on June 29, 2007, the French Supreme Court partially overturned the Court of Appeal Decision. Orange France has brought proceedings for a new hearing before the Court of Appeal. The oral hearing before the Court took place on January 20, 2009 and the Court decision is expected to be available on March 11, 2009.

On October 10, 2006, Bouygues Telecom filed a claim with the Competition Council relating to practices engaged in by Orange France and SFR in the French mobile telephony market. This complaint resulted in a March 19, 2008 notification of complaints, followed by a final report on August 7 pointing to the existence, between June 2005 and July 2007, of a price squeeze between the mobile call termination tariff and the retail price of certain offerings for consumers which included unlimited on-net service on Orange and SFR networks. The hearing before the Competition Council (now the Competition Authority – Autorité de la concurrence) is expected to be held by the end of the first quarter of 2009. In April 2008, Bouygues Telecom filed a new claim with the Competition Council, concerning the non-residential mobile market. This claim is currently under inves tigation.

On August 14, 2007, France Telecom was informed that Free had filed a complaint with the Competition Council against France Telecom concerning the rollout of fiber optic networks. This complaint includes a claim for injunctive relief to require France Telecom to provide access to its civil engineering facilities for purposes of implementing very high bandwidth services, and to do so at cost-oriented tariffs, while prohibiting France Telecom from marketing its own retail service offering or rolling out its own facilities outside Paris until such time as these measures are taken. On February 12, 2008, the Competition Council rejected Free’s request for injunctive relief concerning the conditions of access to existing civil engineering infrastructure established on the public domain for deploying new optical local loops on the residential market (FTTH). The Competiti on Council acknowledged that France Telecom had been engaged since October 2007 before the Telecom and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP) in a constructive process to develop an offer to access its cable ducts. It considered that there was no serious and immediate threat to competition justifying the pronouncement of the measures requested. At the same time, it decided to pursue its investigation into the substance of the case. Parallel to this investigation, France Telecom developed its civil engineering offering while also undertaking working discussions with other operators under ARCEP supervision, concerning the mutualisation of equipment inside buildings. These discussions resulted in an agreement in December 2008.

On September 18, 2008, the Competition Council notified France Telecom of a substantive claim by Bouygues Telecom along with claims for interim measures, for anti-competitive agreements with Apple regarding conditions for distribution of the i-Phone in the French market. On December 17, 2008, the Council upheld the request for interim measures and in particular ordered the suspension of the exclusivity arrangements between Apple and Orange and its distributors. The Paris Court of Appeal confirmed his decision on February 4, 2009. France Telecom has filed an appeal with the Supreme Court.

In Switzerland, the Competition Council’s inquiry into mobile call termination charges, which began at the end of 2002, is still pending. On February 16, 2007, the Swiss Competition Council imposed a fine on Swisscom Mobile of 333 million Swiss francs for abuse of dominant position in the call termination market during the period prior to June 2005, at which date Swisscom Mobile significantly reduced its call termination charges. The Council did not sanction Orange or TDC (Sunrise) for their call termination charge practices during that same period. However, the Council opened an inquiry into the period after June 1, 2005. A decision could be handed down in 2009.

On February 22, 2007, the Office for Electronic Communications (OEC) imposed a fine of 339 million zlotys (82 million euros) on TP for having established its Internet (neostrada) price list without observing the provision of the Polish law on telecommunication which requires prices to be based on the cost of provision. The European Commission has indicated that the market analysis on which the OEC founded its decision is incorrect. TP considers the regulatory authority erred in challenging its Internet tariffs since they are not defined as regulated services. In March 2007, TP filed an appeal with the Competition and Consumer Protection Court. A hearing planned for November 18, 2008 was postponed and no new hearing date has yet been fixed.

In October 2007, the national competition authority in Spain, the CNC, opened an investigation relating to a possible anti-competitive agreement among the country’s three main mobile telephone operators, Movistar, Vodafone and Orange. This investigation follows complaints by consumer associations which allege that the operators agreed among themselves to increase their tariffs as of March 1, 2007. In December 2008, the CNC investigation division recommended to the CNC that it make a finding that an anti-competitive agreement existed, but that it impose no fine on Orange or Vodafone, but only on Movistar. The CNC decision is expected by June 2009 at the latest.



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Civil and commercial proceedings

In December 2006, Free brought action against France Telecom before the Paris Commercial Court, claiming compensation for the loss it believes it has suffered due to France Telecom’s anti-competitive practices in the broadband access market between 1999 and 2005. Free accuses France Telecom of having implemented a strategy that, between 2000 and 2002, prevented it from deploying ADSL and recruiting potential new customers to its dial-up customer base, and which, from 2003 to 2005, hampered its development in this market. Free has asked the court to order France Telecom to pay a provisional sum of 500 million euros. In May 2008, in support of its claims, Free filed an economic study which speaks of theoretical damages of 1.9 billion euros. In December 2008, France Telecom produced an expert economic and financial assessment which concludes that Free has incurr ed no loss. France Telecom considers that the claims of Free are unfounded, since Free has been able to take full advantage of the development and dynamism of the French broadband market.

In 1991, Lectiel (formerly Filetech) brought proceedings before the Paris Commercial Court claiming anti-competitive practices by France Telecom and demanding that the subscriber directory database be delivered to it without charge. Following the refusal of its claim in January 1994, Lectiel brought an appeal before the Paris Court of Appeal. Numerous other proceedings were brought which interfered with this main claim, including Lectiel’s claim before the Competition Council which, on September 29, 1998, imposed a fine on France Telecom of 1.52 million euros and ordered it to give access to its directory database at “cost-oriented prices”. In December 2006, Lectiel increased its monetary claim to 376 million euros and claimed for the delivery without charge of the directory database, together with daily updates, subject to penalties for non-compliance o f 1.5 million euros per day. On September 30, 2008, the Court of appeal rejected all of Lectiel’s claims and ordered it to pay damages of 3.9 million euros to France Telecom for unauthorized use of its database. On December 23, 2008, the court-appointed liquidator of the company Groupadress, who had intervened in the proceedings, appealed the decision to the Supreme Court.

At the end of January 2004, Nerim issued proceedings against Wanadoo France and Transpac (since absorbed into France Telecom S.A.) before the Paris Commercial Court, following a claim against Nerim for unpaid invoices. Nerim claimed not to owe any amounts to Transpac and further claimed that on the contrary Transpac and Wanadoo engaged in anti-competitive behavior, warranting damages of 57 million euros. In March 2008, Nerim withdrew its claim. This development brought the proceedings to an end.

On June 25, 2008, Free brought interim proceedings before the Paris Commercial Court seeking an injunction ordering the suspension of the sale of the Orange Foot service which is linked to the subscription for an Orange multi service ADSL access offer. The court rejected the injunction request on July 1, 2008. Free withdrew the appeal it had filed, but brought substantive proceedings seeking to enjoin France Telecom from conditioning the subscription to the Orange Foot service on the purchase of an Orange Internet subscription, together with an order that France Telecom pay damages of 5 million euros, subject to revision. Free considers the amount of its loss to be 54 million euros. Neuf Cegetel joined the proceedings, also claiming damages but calling for an expert report to value its loss. On February 23, 2009, the Paris Commercial Court ordered France Telecom to cea se conditioning the linear TV broadcast of Orange Foot on the purchase of an Orange broadband internet subscription. It also appointed a panel of experts to enable it to evaluate the quantum of loss incurred by Free and Neuf Cegetel. France Telecom considers that separating out the linear TV stream deprives the Orange Foot service of its substance, an integral part of which consists of interactive and non linear functions inseparable from the access element. Based on solid legal and factual arguments, France Telecom has appealed from the decision. Lastly, France Telecom considers that should his decision be upheld, the costs that might arise from remedying the alleged losses would not have a material impact on its financial situation and results; and further considers that it is not possible at this stage to quantify the potential financial statements impact, if the decision were upheld, of off-balance sheet commitments involving the Ligue de Football Professionnel (referred to in Note 29.2).

Other proceedings

Civil and commercial proceedings

Three proceedings were brought before German courts relating to the UMTS investment undertaken in Germany in 2000 in partnership with MobilCom. This investment was agreed to on March 23, 2000 under the aegis of the contract known as the “Cooperation Framework Agreement” (CFA), and subsequently was brought to an end on November 20, 2002 by a negotiated settlement, known as the “MobilCom Settlement Agreement” (MCSA). Under the terms of this settlement, France Telecom purchased the Mobilcom receivables held by the bank syndicate members and suppliers at their face value and wrote-off the receivables as well as the repayment of shareholders’ advances made to MobilCom during the previous two years for a total settlement payment of approximately 7 billion euros. These judicial proceedings have been initiated either by the court-appointed liquida tor in the personal bankruptcy of the former MobilCom CEO Gerhardt Schmid, or by minority shareholders of MobilCom related to Mr Schmid. The parties are claiming very significant amounts on the basis of the alleged improper enforcement of the CFA and/or violation of German law on the protection of minority interests. The plaintiffs accuse France Telecom in substance of having undertaken the UMTS project and then terminating it, and of having imposed these decisions on MobilCom and its then CEO by means of a supposed “hidden” or “de facto” domination.


The first action was brought in December 2003 before the Kiel Court by Millenium, a minority shareholder of MobilCom owned by Mrs. Schmid-Sindram. In December 2005, Millenium raised its claim to 5.41 billion euros excluding interest in respect of the losses suffered by it and by MobilCom as a result of the so-called de facto domination (see below). On January 30, 2008, the Court held that it was competent and on February 4, 2009, it held an oral hearing on the substance of the case. Its decision is expected to be rendered during the first half of 2009.

The second action was launched in December 2003 by Mrs. Schmid-Sindram and Mr Marek, another MobilCom minority shareholder, in which they too claimed compensation for loss suffered due to the alleged dominant relationship, which they evaluated at a theoretical supplement to the share price multiplied by the number of shares held by the plaintiffs or possibly by all the shareholders. On August 12, 2005, the Court of Flensburg rejected the claim as unfounded and on August 27, 2008, the Schleswig Court of Appeal confirmed that decision. Since no appeal to the Supreme Court is possible in this type of procedure, the decision of the Schleswig court is final and the proceedings have come to an end.

The third action was brought before the Frankfurt Court in December 2004 by the court-appointed liquidator in Gerhardt Schmid’s personal bankruptcy. The claim disregards all waivers of rights to legal recourse stipulated in the MCSA, which he claims are null and void, alleging improper enforcement of the CFA as well as de facto domination. In December 2005, the claim was increased to 7.22 billion euros excluding interest, on the basis of a hypothetical reconstruction of MobilCom’s value had the UMTS project been successful. On January 16, 2008, the Court dismissed the claim, considering in particular that the abandonment of court proceedings was valid and that it barred Gerhardt Schmid from all claims. An appeal is pending before the Frankfurt Court of Appeal. No hearing date has yet been fixed.

France Telecom considers that all these actions are unfounded and in bad faith.



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In December 2004, Suberdine and some of its shareholders initiated proceedings against Orange France before the Paris Commercial Court. Suberdine, which had participated along with its subsidiaries in the marketing and sale of Orange’s products and services between 1995 and 2003, went into liquidation on December 18, 2003. Suberdine claimed that Orange had unlawfully terminated their business relationship, and attributed to Orange the responsibility for its liquidation. Suberdine’s monetary claims together with those of the shareholders amounted to 778 million euros. In March 2006, the Paris Commercial Court dismissed the shareholders’ claim but ordered Orange to pay Suberdine 12 million euros. Both Suberdine through its voluntary liquidator and Suberdine’s shareholders appealed, while the court-appointed liquidator formally gave notificat ion of the Court’s decision. On November 26, 2008, the Paris Court of Appeal upheld the positions of Orange, holding Suberdine’s appeal to be invalid and that of the shareholders inadmissible and unfounded. As a result, the court’s March 2006 judgment, having become final, has been executed. On February 24, 2009, Suberdine filed an appeal with the Supreme Court.


Administrative litigation

In November 2000, the SNCF brought proceedings with the Paris Administrative Court in which it claimed payment from France Telecom of compensation set at 135 million euros (excluding interest) for its use of SNCF railway infrastructure between 1992 and the end of 1996. In addition, the SNCF sought the appointment of an expert to calculate the amount of variable compensation it considered owning to it in addition to the fixed compensation. According to SNCF calculations, this variable compensation amounted to 352 million euros. France Telecom does not contest the fact that payment is due for the period since July 29, 1996, but considers that the action is unfounded for the period prior to that date. On March 11, 2004, the Paris Administrative Court held the SNCF claims to be inadmissible, a decision upheld by the Paris Court of Administrative Appeal on May 24, 2007. The SNCF has lodged an appeal with the Administrative Supreme Court (Conseil d’Etat). No new developments took place in the proceedings in 2008.


International arbitration

In 2001, a dispute arose over the interpretation of a contract for (in the view of TP S.A) the sale and installation by the Danish company DPTG of a fiber optical transmission system, known as NSL, for the State-owned Polish Post, Telegraph and Telephone, the predecessor of TP S.A. The contract, signed in 1991 and for which work was completed in 1994, provided for payment of part of the contract price by allocating to DPTG 14.8% of certain revenues produced by the NSL for fifteen years from the system’s installation, that is, from January 1994 to January 2009.

In 1999 the parties came into disagreement regarding the calculation of this revenue. Based on the view that a joint venture existed under the terms of the contract, DPTG initiated arbitration proceedings. DPTG’s claims, calculated up to January 2006, amount to 670 million euros excluding interest. In October 2008, DPTG increased the amount of its claim to 840 million euros excluding interest. TP S.A. challenges both the basis of the claim and the amounts claimed by DPTG.

Between 2004 and 2007, the tribunal directed its attention to assessing the revenues that were supposed to have been shared. In 2008, the tribunal chairman was removed from his functions for lack of impartiality. Following the appointment of a new chairman and the scheduling of new procedural dates, a hearing on the substantive issues took place in January 2009. A second hearing is planned for April 2009. A decision is expected in the course of this year.

On March 13, 2007, the minority shareholders of FTML, who hold 33% of the share capital, filed suit against France Telecom in the Paris Commercial Court seeking payment of compensation provisionally estimated at 97 million US dollars. They claim that France Telecom imposed upon its Lebanese subsidiary and against the latter’s interests the settlement agreement of January 12, 2006 under which FTML and its majority shareholder FTMI resolved their disputes with the Lebanese government in connection with the BOT contract for a mobile telephone network in Lebanon, thereby depriving the minority shareholders of their share of the sum of 266 million US dollars awarded to FTML and FTMI by the arbitration rulings of January and April 2005. France Telecom considers that it has at no time taken any action contrary to the best interests of its subsidiary and it regards the claim as entirely unfounded.

The shareholders’ agreement governing the relationships between France Telecom and Orascom within Mobinil provides that in the event of serious disagreement between the parties, and in case the matter cannot be amicably resolved, the parties, having acknowledged the deadlock, may enter into a bidding process with a view to acquiring the other party’s shares (see Note 29.4 “Commitments to acquire or subscribe to securities”).

On August 8, 2007, Orascom initiated arbitration proceedings regarding the applicability of this provision to a disagreement for which it had previously launched the bidding process provided for in the shareholders’ agreement. France Telecom considers that the launch of the bidding process is entirely groundless. Orascom claims the transfer in its favor of Mobinil shares and the payment of 160 million dollars in damages. Following the exchange of written briefs by the parties, hearings took place before the arbitral tribunal on September 30 and October 4, 2008. The arbitral decision is expected in March, 2009.


There are no other governmental, legal or arbitration proceedings, including any proceedings that are pending or threatened of which France Telecom is aware, which may have or have had in the last twelve months a material impact on the company and/or Group’s financial position or profitability.



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NOTE 31 - RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

31.1 Members of the Board of Directors and Group Management Committee of France Telecom

The following table shows the compensation disbursed by France Telecom S.A. and the companies it controls to persons who served on France Telecom's Board of Directors or Group Management Committee during 2008 or any part of the year.


 

Year ended

(in euros)

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

December 31, 2006

Short-term benefits excluding employer social security contributions (1)

7,538,617

7,962,258

8,078,292

Employer social security payments on short-term benefits

1,886,695

1,893,757

1,568,386

Post-employment benefits (2)

1,480,357

1,642,186

693,863

Other long-term benefits

-

-

-

Termination benefits

-

4,691,381

-

Share-based compensation (3)

1,081,364

1,213,091

905,430

(1)

In 2008, includes all compensation recognized (gross salaries, bonuses, attendance fees, bonuses, directors' fees and benefits in kind, incentive schemes and profit-sharing) over the period; the 2007 amount included all compensation paid in 2007.

(2)

Service cost.

(3)

Expense recorded in the income statement in respect of stock option plans and employee shareholding plans.


Didier Lombard has waived his right to receive attendance fees.

The total amount of retirement benefits (contractual retirement bonuses and defined benefit supplementary pension plan) provided for in the financial statements at December 31, 2008 in respect of persons who were members of the Group Management Committee at the end of the year, including Didier Lombard, was 7,167,251 euros (6,597,945 euros in 2007).

Following a decision of the Board of Directors approved by the May 27, 2008 Shareholders’ Meeting, in the event the duties of Didier Lombard with the company were terminated, the Board of Directors may decide to grant him a termination settlement of up to 21 months of his compensation calculated on the average of his  gross monthly compensation during the 24 months preceding the date of the Board's decision. This amount would include any settlement granted with respect to the termination of his currently suspended employment contract.

Contracts of other members of the Group Management Committee include a clause providing a contractual termination settlement not exceeding 15 months of their last total gross annual compensation (including the contractual termination benefit).


31.2 Related party transactions

The related party transactions summarized below cover the main transactions carried out in the ordinary course of business with associates, proportionally consolidated companies and companies in which the Chairman of France Telecom's Board of Directors is a member of the Board of Directors, Supervisory Board or Executive Committee.

Telecommunications services provided to French governmental authorities, which are one of France Telecom's largest customers, as well as those to its various local and regional authorities, are provided on an arm's length basis.

31.2.1    Transactions with associates

CET

Transactions with Compagnie Européenne de Téléphonie relate mainly to promotion and sales of Orange products, services and brands in sales outlets operating under the Photo Service and Photo Station names. Amounts due by CET or by France Telecom S.A. and its subsidiaries are shown down below:


(in millions of euros)

December 31, 2008

Assets

 

- Trade receivables

51

- Loans

32

Liabilities

 

- Trade payables

6

Operating income

 

- Revenues

109

- Operating expenses

81




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Other associates

Other transactions carried out with associates during the financial year represented less than 5 million euros and are therefore not described below.


Transactions with proportionally consolidated companies

Material transactions are shown below:

 

December 31, 2008


(in millions of euros)

Trade receivables

Trade payables

Sales of goods

and

services

Purchases of goods

 and

services

Darty France Telecom

20

27

14

(20)


 

December 31, 2007



(in millions of euros)

Trade receivables

Trade payables

Sales of goods

and

services

Purchases of goods

 and

services

Darty France Telecom

24

32

15

(22)


 

December 31, 2006



(in millions of euros)

Trade receivables

Trade payables

Sales of goods

and

services

Purchases of goods

 and

services

Darty France Telecom

21

29

17

(24)

The data presented above represents the portion which has not been eliminated on consolidation.


31.2.3   Transactions with companies in which the Chairman of France Telecom's Board of Directors is a member of the Board of Directors, Supervisory Board or Executive Committee


 

December 31, 2008

(in millions of euros)

Trade receivables

Trade payables

Sales of goods

and

services

Purchases of goods

 and

services

Thomson

3

1

10

(1)


 

December 31, 2007

(in millions of euros)

Trade receivables

Trade payables

Sales of goods

and

services

Purchases of goods

and

services

Thomson

4

1

12

(2)


 

December 31, 2006

(in millions of euros)

Trade receivables

Trade payables

Sales of goods

and

services

Purchases of goods

and

services

Thomson

5

4

8

(2)


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NOTE 32 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS


None


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NOTE 33 - SCOPE OF CONSOLIDATION


The main changes in consolidation scope in the year ended December 31, 2008 are set out in Note 3. Special-purpose entities included within the scope of consolidation are mainly companies linked to securitization operations. The table below covers the principal legal holdings.


COMPANY

  

COUNTRY

France Telecom S.A.

Country Parent company

 

France

Personal Communication Services

   

Fully consolidated companies

Interest

 

Country

Orange S.A.

100.00%

 

France

FTA Telecom CJSC

100.00%

 

Armenia

Mobistar

52.91%

 

Belgium

Orange Botswana

53.68%

 

Botswana

Orange Cameroun

99.50%

 

Cameroon

Orange Côte d'Ivoire

85.00%

 

Ivory Coast

Orange Holding A/S

100.00%

 

Denmark

Orange Dominica

100.00%

 

Dominica

Telecom España Distribucion S.A. (ex-Amena Movil)

81.62%

 

Spain

FT España (mobile operations)

81.62%

 

Spain

Inversiones en Telecomunicaciones

54.41%

 

Spain

FCC Orange S.A.

100.00%

 

France

Orange Caraïbes

100.00%

 

France

Orange France

100.00%

 

France

Orange Mayotte

100.00%

 

France

Orange Réunion

100.00%

 

France

SPM Télécom

70.00%

 

France

CGBC (TEN)

75.70%

 

France

Orange Bissau (1)

42.33%

 

Guinea Bissau

Orange Guinée (1)

38.10%

 

Guinea

Orange Services India Private Limited

100.00%

 

India

Mobilecom

51.00%

 

Jordan

FTM Liban

67.00%

 

Lebanon

Orange Liechtenstein

100.00%

 

Liechtenstein

VOXmobile

52.91%

 

Luxembourg



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Personal Communication Services

   

Fully consolidated companies

 

Interest

Country

Orange Madagascar

71.79%

 

Madagascar

Orange Mali (ex-Ikatel) (1)

29.71%

 

Mali

Orange Moldova (ex-Voxtel)

94.31%

 

Moldavia

Orange Niger

80.00%

 

Niger

Orange Uganda Ltd

53.00%

 

Uganda

PTK Centertel (2)

49.79%

 

Poland

Orange Centre Afrique

100.00%

 

Central African Rep.

Orange Dominicana

100.00%

 

Dominican Rep.

Orange Romania

96.82%

 

Romania

Orange Retail Ltd

100.00%

 

United Kingdom

Orange 3G Limited

100.00%

 

United Kingdom

Orange Holdings Ltd

100.00%

 

United Kingdom

Orange Ltd

100.00%

 

United Kingdom

Orange Personal Communications Services Ltd

100.00%

 

United Kingdom

Orange Cellular Services Ltd

100.00%

 

United Kingdom

Orange Global Ltd

100.00%

 

United Kingdom

Orange Mobiles Services

100.00%

 

United Kingdom

Orange Paging

100.00%

 

United Kingdom

Orange Payment Handling Services (ex-The Point Telecommunications)

100.00%

 

United Kingdom

Trust of Receivables Orange

100.00%

 

United Kingdom

Sonatel Mobiles (1)

42.33%

 

Senegal

Orange Corpsec

100.00%

 

Slovakia

Orange Slovensko

100.00%

 

Slovakia

Orange Sverige

100.00%

 

Sweden

Orange Communications S.A. (“OCH“)

100.00%

 

Switzerland

Orange Network S.A.

100.00%

 

Switzerland

(1)

Sonatel and its subsidiaries are fully consolidated as France Telecom controls the Strategic Committee which makes recommendations to the Board of Directors.

(2)

TP S.A. and subsidiaries (TP Group): France Telecom has the power to appoint the majority of the Supervisory Board members of TP S.A.; TP S.A. and its subsidiaries are therefore fully consolidated.




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Personal Communication Services

   

Proportionally consolidated companies

Interest

 

Country

Irisnet

26.45%

 

Belgium

Mobinil for Telecommunications (1)

71.25%

 

Egypt

Egyptian Company for Mobile Services (ECMS) (2)

36.36%

 

Egypt

Mobinil Invest (2)

37.06%

 

Egypt

Mobinil Services Company (2)

36.33%

 

Egypt

DARTY France Telecom

50.00%

 

France

GETESA

40.00%

 

Equatorial Guinea

Cellplus Mobile Communications Ltd

40.00%

 

Mauritius

(1)

France Telecom Group holds a 71.25% stake in Mobinil for Telecommunications, with the remaining 28.75% owned by Orascom Telecom. Since all executive decisions must be jointly approved by both partners at board level, Mobinil is consolidated by the proportional method.

(2)

ECMS and its subsidiaries are controlled by Mobinil and therefore proportionally consolidated by France Telecom Group SA.




Personal Communication Services

   

Associates consolidated by the equity method

Interest

 

Country

One (PASR 24)

35.00%

 

Austria

Safelayer

13.23%

 

Spain

GIE Preventel

27.90%

 

France

Sonaecom

20.00%

 

Portugal



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Home Communication Services

 

 

 

Fully consolidated companies

Interest

 

Country

Sofrecom Algérie

100.00%

 

Algeria

Sofrecom Argentina

100.00%

 

Argentina

Lightspeed Communications

51.00%

 

Bahrain

Atlas Services Belgium

100.00%

 

Belgium

Orange Belgium

100.00%

 

Belgium

Wirefree Services Belgium

100.00%

 

Belgium

Fimocam

100.00%

 

Cameroon

Orange Cameroon Multimedia Services

99.50%

 

Cameroon

FT R&D Beijing

100.00%

 

China

CI Telcom

45.90%

 

Ivory Coast

Côte d’Ivoire Multimedia

45.90%

 

Ivory Coast

Wirefree Services Denmark

100.00%

 

Denmark

Autocity Networks

81.62%

 

Spain

Catalana

81.62%

 

Spain

FT España (fixed-line operations)

81.62%

 

Spain

EresMas Interactiva

81.62%

 

USA

FT Participations US

100.00%

 

USA

FTLD USA

100.00%

 

USA

FTP Holding

100.00%

 

USA

FT R&D LLc San Francisco

100.00%

 

USA

FT R&D LLc Boston

100.00%

 

USA

FT North America

100.00%

 

USA

FTP Holdco 1 LLC

100.00%

 

USA

Orange World

100.00%

 

USA

Cityvox

100.00%

 

France

Corsica Haut Débit

100.00%

 

France

EGT

100.00%

 

France

FCC FT S.A. Titricom 1.2

100.00%

 

France

FCC FT S.A. Titricom 1.3

100.00%

 

France



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-106



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Home Communication Services

 

 

 

Fully consolidated companies

Interest

 

Country

FCR

100.00%

 

France

FCR Côte d’Ivoire

90.00%

 

France

FT Capital Development

100.00%

 

France

FT Encaissements

99.99%

 

France

FT IMMO Gestion

100.00%

 

France

FT IMMO GL

100.00%

 

France

FT IMMO Holding

100.00%

 

France

FT Marine

100.00%

 

France

FT Mobiles International

100.00%

 

France

FT Technologies Investissement

100.00%

 

France

France Telecom e-Commerce

100.00%

 

France

France Telecom Lease

100.00%

 

France

Francetel

100.00%

 

France

Immobilière FT

100.00%

 

France

Innovacom Gestion

50.00%

 

France

Nordnet

100.00%

 

France

Orange Assistance (ex-RAPP 31)

100.00%

 

France

Orange Cinema Series (ex-RAPP 35)

100.00%

 

France

Orange Distribution

100.00%

 

France

Orange East-Africa (ex-RAPP 32)

78.50%

 

France

Orange Participations (ex-RAPP 18)

100.00%

 

France

Orange Prestations TV (ex-RAPP 41)

100.00%

 

France

Orange Promotions

100.00%

 

France

Orange Sports (ex-RAPP 24)

100.00%

 

France

Orange Vallée (ex-NEDDI)

100.00%

 

France

RAPP 9

100.00%

 

France

RAPPtel

100.00%

 

France

RAPP 26

100.00%

 

France

Sofrecom

100.00%

 

France

Sofinergie 4

99.78%

 

France

Sofinergie 5

97.94%

 

France

Soft At Home

60.00%

 

France

Studio 37 (ex-RAPP 27)

100.00%

 

France



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-107



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Home Communication Services (HCS)

 

 

 

Fully consolidated companies

Interest

 

Country

TP S.A. Eurofinance France S.A. (1)

49.77%

 

France

Telincom Courtage

100.00%

 

France

Viaccess

100.00%

 

France

Wormy (ex-RAPP 34)

100.00%

 

France

W-HA

100.00%

 

France

GOA Games Services Ltd

100.00%

 

Ireland

Orca Interactive

100.00%

 

Israel

FT Japan

100.00%

 

Japan

E-dimension

51.00%

 

Jordan

JIT CO

100.00%

 

Jordan

Jordan Telecom Cie (JTC)

51.00%

 

Jordan

Wanadoo Jordan

51.00%

 

Jordan

Telkom Kenya

40.03%

 

Kenya

Miaraka

100.00%

 

Madagascar

Sofrecom Maroc

100.00%

 

Morocco

Sofrecom Services Maroc

100.00%

 

Morocco

Chamarel Marine Services

100.00%

 

Mauritius

Rimcom

100.00%

 

Mauritius

Telsea

60.80%

 

Mauritius

StarMedia Mexico

80.80%

 

Mexico

MMT Bis

100.00%

 

Moldavia

Atlas Services Nederland

100.00%

 

Netherlands

MMT Telecom Holding BV

100.00%

 

Netherlands

TP Edukacja i Wypoczynek (Exploris) (1)

49.79%

 

Poland

Fundacja Grupy TP (1)

49.79%

 

Poland

OPCO Sp zo o (ex-OTO Lublin) (1)

49.79%

 

Poland

ORE (1)

49.79%

 

Poland

PTE TP (1)

49.79%

 

Poland

Paytel (ex-Contact Center) (1)

49.79%

 

Poland

Sofrecom Polska (1)

100.00%

 

Poland



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-108



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Home Communication Services

 

 

 

Fully consolidated companies

Interest

 

Country

TP EmiTel (1)

49.79%

 

Poland

TP Internet (1)

49.79%

 

Poland

TP Invest (1)

49.79%

 

Poland

TP Med (1)

49.79%

 

Poland

TP S.A. (1)

49.79%

 

Poland

TP S.A. Eurofinance (1)

49.79%

 

Poland

TP S.A. Finance (1)

49.79%

 

Poland

TP Teltech (1)

49.79%

 

Poland

Telefon 2000 (1)

49.79%

 

Poland

Telefony Podalskie (1)

27.44%

 

Poland

Virgo (1)

49.79%

 

Poland

Wirtualna Poska (1)

49.79%

 

Poland

Terravista

81.62%

 

Portugal

OHCS II - Serviços de Internet
(ex-Wanadoo Broadband Serviços de Internet)

100.00%

 

Portugal

Ananova Ltd

100.00%

 

United Kingdom

FT Participations UK

100.00%

 

United Kingdom

FT R&D Ltd

100.00%

 

United Kingdom

Freeserve Investments

100.00%

 

United Kingdom

Wanadoo Plc

100.00%

 

United Kingdom

Orange Austria Ltd

100.00%

 

United Kingdom

Orange Brand Services Ltd

100.00%

 

United Kingdom

Orange Direct Ltd

100.00%

 

United Kingdom

Orange FURBS Trustees Ltd

100.00%

 

United Kingdom

Orange Holdings Ltd

100.00%

 

United Kingdom

Orange Home UK

100.00%

 

United Kingdom

Orange International Ltd

100.00%

 

United Kingdom

Orange Overseas Holdings No.2

100.00%

 

United Kingdom

Orange Pension Trustees Ltd

100.00%

 

United Kingdom

Sonatel Business Solutions (2)

42.33%

 

Senegal

Sonatel (2)

42.33%

 

Senegal

Sonatel Multimedia (2)

42.33%

 

Senegal




2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-109



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Home Communication Services

 

 

 

Fully consolidated companies

Interest

 

Country

Sofrecom Thailand

100.00%

 

Thailand

FCR Vietnam PTE Ltd

74.00%

 

Vietnam

(1)

TP S.A. and its subsidiaries (TP Group): France Telecom has the power to appoint the majority of the Supervisory Board members of TP S.A.; TP S.A. and its subsidiaries are therefore fully consolidated.

(2)

Sonatel and its subsidiaries are fully consolidated as France Telecom controls the Strategic Committee which makes recommendations to the Board of Directors.


Home Communication Services

   

Proportionally consolidated companies

Interest

 

Country

DT-FT Italian Holding GmbH

50.00%

 

Germany

Innovacom 3

34.24%

 

France

Call Services Ltd

40.00%

 

Mauritius

Mauritius Telecom

40.00%

 

Mauritius

Telecom Plus Ltd

40.00%

 

Mauritius

Teleservices Ltd

40.00%

 

Mauritius

Vanuatu Telecom Ltd

50.01%

 

Vanuatu



Home Communication Services

   

Associates consolidated by the equity method

Interest

 

Country

Absline Multimedia

38.77%

 

Spain

Store Alcala

40.81%

 

Spain

Compagnie Européenne de Téléphonie (CET Group) (1)

48.50%

 

France

Orange BNP Paribas Services (2)

50.00%

 

France

Augere Holdings (Netherlands) BV

22.22%

 

Netherlands

Mainline Communication Group Plc

26.00%

 

United Kingdom

Midland Communication Distribution Ltd

35.00%

 

United Kingdom

(1)

As France Telecom exercises significant influence over Compagnie Européenne de Téléphonie, Compagnie Européenne de Téléphonie is accounted for using the equity method.

(2)

As France Telecom exercises significant influence over Orange BNP Paribas Services, Orange BNP Paribas Services is accounted for using the equity method.



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-110



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Enterprise Communication Services

 

 

 

Fully consolidated companies

Interest

 

Country

Globecast Africa

100.00%

 

South Africa

Globecast South Africa (Proprietary) Limited

70.00%

 

South Africa

Etrali Allemagne

100.00%

 

Germany

FT Corporate Solutions Australia

100.00%

 

Australia

Silicomp Belgium

96.31%

 

Belgium

Silicomp Benelux

96.31%

 

Belgium

Silicomp Canada Inc

96.31%

 

Canada

Etrali Beijing

100.00%

 

China

Etrali S.A. Spain

100.00%

 

Spain

Etrali North America

100.00%

 

USA

FT Corporate Solutions

100.00%

 

USA

GlobeCast America Incorporated

100.00%

 

USA

Equant Holding US and subsidiaries

100.00%

 

USA

Equant S.A. and subsidiaries

100.00%

 

France

Almerys

64.00%

 

France

CVF

100.00%

 

France

Etrali France

100.00%

 

France

Etrali S.A.

100.00%

 

France

Expertel Consulting

100.00%

 

France

GlobeCast France

100.00%

 

France

GlobeCast Holding

100.00%

 

France

GlobeCast Reportages

100.00%

 

France

Groupe Diwan

99.88%

 

France

Groupe Silicomp

96.31%

 

France

Netia

100.00%

 

France

Newpoint

95.96%

 

France

OB Participations (ex-RAPP 45)

100.00%

 

France

Obiane (ex-Silicomp Réseaux)

95.96%

 

France

SCI Groupe Silicomp

95.51%

 

France

Silicomp Management

96.30%

 

France

Silicomp-AQL

95.93%

 

France

Sétib

100.00%

 

France

Telefact

69.53%

 

France

Etrali HK

100.00%

 

Hong Kong

Silicomp China Limited

96.31%

 

Hong Kong



2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-111



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Enterprise Communication Services

 

 

 

Fully consolidated companies

Interest

 

Country

Silicomp India

96.31%

 

India

Etrali Spa

100.00%

 

Italy

GlobeCast Italie

100.00%

 

Italy

Etrali KK

100.00%

 

Japan

Silicomp (Malaysia) SDN BHD

96.31%

 

Malaysia

France Telecom Servicios

100.00%

 

Mexico

Newsforce BV

100.00%

 

Netherlands

EGN BV and subsidiaries

100.00%

 

Netherlands

Equant BV

100.00%

 

Netherlands

Etrali UK

100.00%

 

United Kingdom

GlobeCast UK

100.00%

 

United Kingdom

Etrali Singapore Pte

100.00%

 

Singapore

GlobeCast Asie

100.00%

 

Singapore

Silicomp Asia Pte Ltd

96.31%

 

Singapore

Equant Integration Services S.A. and subsidiaries

100.00%

 

Switzerland

Etrali Suisse

99.17%

 

Switzerland

Telecom Systems

96.31%

 

Switzerland

Feima Limited

96.31%

 

Taiwan

Silicomp Taiwan

96.31%

 

Taiwan


Enterprise Communication Services

   

Proportionally consolidated companies

Interest

 

Country

GlobeCast Australia

50.00%

 

Australia

Neocles Corporate (1)

51.00%

 

France

Silicomp Software Validation

48.16%

 

France

(1)

Neocles Corporate is proportionally consolidated as it is jointly controlled by France Telecom and the minority shareholders.





2008 form 20-F / FRANCE TELECOM – F-112



EX-1.1 2 exhibit11.htm EXHIBIT 1.1 Exhibit 1.1 bylaws

Exhibit 1.1


France Telecom’s bylaws

As amended on March 3, 2009


ARTICLE 1 - LEGAL FORM

The Company France Telecom is a “société anonyme” (French corporation) governed by corporate law, subject to specific laws governing the Company, particularly French law no. 90-568 of July 2, 1990, as amended, and to these by-laws.

ARTICLE 2 - OBJECTS

The Company’s corporate purpose, in France and abroad, specifically pursuant to the French Postal & Telecommunications Code, shall be

exhibit-1-1

to provide all electronic communication services in internal and international relations;

to carry out activities related to public service and, in particular, to provide, where applicable, a universal telecommunications service and other mandatory services;

to establish, develop and operate all electronic communications networks open to the public necessary for providing said services and to interconnect the same with other French and foreign networks open to the public;

to provide all other services, facilities, handset equipment, electronic communications networks, and to establish and operate all networks distributing audiovisual services, and especially radio, television and multimedia broadcasting services;

to set up, acquire, rent or manage all real estate or other assets and businesses, to lease, install and operate all structures, businesses, factories and workshops related to any of the purposes defined above;

to obtain, acquire, operate or transfer all processes and patents related to any of the purposes defined above;

to participate directly or indirectly in all transactions that may be related to any of the purposes defined above, through the creation of new companies or enterprises, the contribution, subscription or purchase of securities or corporate rights, acquisitions of interests, mergers, partnerships, or any other means;

and more generally, all industrial, commercial, Company and financial transactions, or transactions involving movable or fixed assets, that may be related directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, to any of the aforementioned corporate purposes, or to any similar or related purposes, or to any and all purposes that may enhance or develop the Company's business.

ARTICLE 3 - COMPANY NAME

The Company's name is “France Telecom”.

ARTICLE 4 - REGISTERED OFFICE

The registered office is at 6, place d’Alleray, Paris 75015, France.

The board of directors is empowered to transfer the Company’s registered office, within the applicable statutory terms and conditions.



ARTICLE 5 - TERM

The Company was incorporated for a duration of ninety-nine years from December 31, 1996, barring early liquidation or extension.

ARTICLE 6 - SHARE CAPITAL

The share capital is 10,459,964,944 Euros, divided into 2,614,991,236 fully-paid up shares, each with a nominal value of four (4) euros.

ARTICLE 7 - CHANGES TO THE CAPITAL

The share capital may be increased, decreased or amortized in accordance with applicable legal provisions.

ARTICLE 8 - THE PAYMENT FOR CASH SHARES

In the event of a share capital increase, cash shares, when applied for, shall be paid up in the minimum proportion provided for under the law. Partly paid up shares shall be registered shares until fully paid up. Payment of the remainder shall be made in one or several instalments, pursuant to a decision by the board of directors, within a maximum time-limit of five years as of the date of the final capital increase.

Applicants will be informed of calls for funds by certified mail with acknowledgement of receipt within fifteen days at least of the date set for each payment. Payments shall be made either at the registered office, or any other place designated for this purpose.

Should the shareholder fail to pay by the date set by the board of directors, any amounts due shall bear interest, ipso jure, at the legal rate of interest, as of the due date for payment, without prejudice to other statutory proceedings and penalties. In particular, the Company may force the sale of the securities that have not been paid up.

ARTICLE 9 - LEGAL FORMS OF THE SHARES

Shares are in either nominative or bearer form, as decided by the shareholder and subject to statutory provisions.

The company may at any time, including by request to the central depository that operates the account for issuance of its securities, use all statutory or regulatory provisions that allow it to identify holders of securities that confer immediate or future voting rights in its shareholders’ meetings, and to obtain information about the number of securities held by each of them and any restrictions that might be attached to the securities; this identification concerns in particular the holders of similar securities outside French territory.

In addition to the legal obligation to report to the Company of when the thresholds of 5%, 10%, 20%, 33⅓%, 50% and 66⅔% of the share capital or voting rights are crossed, any individual or legal entity, acting alone or in concert with others, who acquires directly or indirectly (as defined by Articles L. 233-7 et seq. of the French Commercial Code, a number of shares, voting rights or securities representing shares equal to 0.5% of the share capital or voting rights in the Company, must report the total number of shares, voting rights and securities giving rights to the share capital that such person or entity holds via registered mail with return receipt to the Company within five trading days after registration of the securities which enabled the holder to reach or cross the threshold.

This declaration must be repeated in accordance with the conditions indicated above each time a new 0.5% threshold is reached or crossed, whether crossing above or below, for any reason whatsoever, including beyond the 5% threshold.

In the event of failure to comply with any of the provisions set forth above, the shareholder or shareholders in question shall be deprived of the voting rights attached to any shares or securities in excess of the thresholds, subject to legal provisions and limits, if one or more shareholders holding at least 0.5% of the share capital or voting rights so requests at a shareholders’ meeting.


2



ARTICLE 10 - TRANSFER AND PASSING ON OF SHARES

Shares are freely negotiable, subject to applicable legal and regulatory provisions. They shall be registered in a share account and are transferred by means of a transfer order from account to account.

ARTICLE 11 - RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE SHARES

Each share shall entitle its holder to a portion of the corporate profits and assets proportional to the amount of capital represented thereby. Furthermore, each share shall entitle its holder to vote and be represented in the shareholders' meetings in accordance with statutory rules and the provisions of these by-laws. Ownership of one share implies, ipso jure, adherence to the by-laws and the decisions of the shareholders' meeting.

The shareholders shall be liable for losses within the limits of their contributions to the Company’s capital.

The heirs, creditors, legal beneficiaries and other representatives of a shareholder may not place liens on the property or securities of the Company, nor request the division or public sale, nor interfere in the administration of the Company. For the proper exercise of their rights, they shall refer to the corporate records and to the decisions of the shareholders' meeting.

At times when ownership of several shares is necessary in order to exercise any right as in an exchange, grouping or allocation of shares, or as a consequence of a capital increase or decrease, merger or other corporate operation, the owners of isolated shares, or shares lower than the required amount, may only exercise the particular right on condition that the shareholder personally takes the required steps to group or, if applicable, purchase or sell the number of requisite shares.

ARTICLE 12 - THE SHARES ARE INDIVISIBLE—USUFRUCT

1.

The shares shall be indivisible with regard to the Company.

Joint owners of indivisible shares shall be represented at shareholders' meetings by either owned or by a single proxy. In the event of disagreement, the proxy shall be appointed by the courts at the request of joint-owner so petitioning.  

2.

The voting rights attached to the share shall belong to the usufructuary at ordinary shareholders' meetings, and to the bare-owner at extraordinary shareholders' meetings.

ARTICLE 13 - THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1.

The company is managed by a Board of Directors comprised of at least twelve members and no more than twenty-two members, including:

three directors representing the Company’s employees and the employees of its direct or indirect subsidiaries (pursuant to Article L. 225-27 of the French Commercial Code) whose registered offices are on French territory, including one representative for engineers, managers and related workers;

one director representing employee shareholders (or contributors to a corporate mutual fund holding shares of the Company), appointed by the general meeting of shareholders.

In the event of a vacancy, as a result of death or by resignation, of one or more seats of directors appointed by the general meeting of shareholders, apart from the director representing employee shareholders, the Board of Directors may, between two general meetings, make appointments on a provisional basis subject to the approval of the next ordinary general meeting, within the limits and conditions provided by law.

2.

The method of voting in order to fill each seat of director representing employees is the method provided in the applicable legal and regulatory provisions.

Specifically, elections shall be by:

two-round election on a majority basis for the electoral college of engineers, managers and related workers;

proportional voting by list on a plurality basis and without crossovers for the electoral college of the other employees.


3



All employees satisfying the conditions prescribed by law can vote and are eligible. Each candidacy for the election of the Board member representing the electoral college of engineers, managers and related workers shall include, in addition to the name of the candidate, the name of a substitute in the event of a vacancy for any reason. Each list of candidates for the election of representatives from the electoral college of other employees shall include at least four names.

The term of office for employee directors shall be four years.

On an exceptional basis, the term of office of employee directors which began prior to the Shareholders’ Meeting which approved the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007, shall terminate on the expiration date of the term of office in force when those directors were elected.

Newly elected employee directors shall assume office upon expiry of the term of office of their predecessors.

The term of office of an employee director who himself ceases to be an employee shall cease as a result.

Elections shall be held such that a second vote may take place no less than fifteen days before the outgoing directors relinquish their office.

During each election, the board of directors shall establish the list of subsidiaries and arrange elections on a date allowing the time limits set out below to be observed.

The time limits to be observed for each election are as follows:

the date of the election is made public at least eight weeks before the vote;

the list of electors is made public at least six weeks before the vote;

candidacies shall be registered at least five weeks before the vote, it being specified that candidates must be members of the electoral college that they wish to represent;

the list of candidates shall be made public at least four weeks before the vote;

the documents needed for mail-in votes shall be sent at least three weeks before the vote.

If there are no candidacies in one of the electoral colleges, the corresponding seat(s) shall remain vacant until the next election of directors representing employees.

The vote shall take place in the course of a single day, at the place of work and during normal working hours. However, the following persons are entitled to a mail-in vote:

staff members who are expected to be absent on the day of the vote;

staff members who are remote from the polling station to which they are assigned, by virtue of the nature or conditions of their employment;

staff members working on sites where there is no polling station.

The terms and procedures for the organization and conduct of the election of directors representing employees, which are not specified by applicable legal or regulatory provisions, or by these by-laws, shall be established by the board of directors, or by the Chairman of the Board acting upon delegation, for companies within the perimeter set forth in the first sub-paragraph of 1 above.

3.

The director representing the employee shareholders shall be appointed, pursuant to applicable legal and regulatory provisions, by the general meeting of shareholders upon a motion proposed by the shareholders referred to in Article L. 225-102 of the French Commercial Code, it being specified that all employees, including civil servants, shall be taken into account.


4



Candidates for the office of director representing the employee shareholders shall be appointed subject to the following conditions:

a)

Where the voting rights of the shares held by employees (or by the mutual funds of which they are members) are exercised by members of the supervisory board of said unit trusts, the candidates shall be appointed by this board.

b)

Where the voting rights of the shares held by employees (or by the mutual funds of which they are members) are exercised directly by these employees, the candidates shall be appointed during the consultation provided for by Article L. 225-106 of the Code de commerce, either by the employee shareholders meeting specially for this purpose, or in connection with a written consultation.

Employees of the Company, or of companies and groups linked to it within the meaning of Article L. 225-180 of the Code de commerce, who satisfy the conditions set forth by law, are eligible. A list shall be prepared of all the candidates duly nominated under a) and b) of the preceding paragraph. It shall include the names of at least two candidates with, for each of the candidates, the name of a replacement should a vacancy arise for any reason.

The shareholders' meeting votes on all eligible candidacies; the candidate receiving the most votes shall be the director representing the shareholding employees.

The term of office of the director representing the employee shareholders shall be four years. This director’s term shall cease at the end of the shareholders' meeting convened to approve the financial statements of the previous year, held in the course of the year when his term of office expires. However, the term shall automatically cease and the director representing the employee shareholders shall be deemed to have resigned his office if he ceases to be an employee of the Company, or of the companies or groups linked to it within the meaning of Article L. 225-180 of the French Commercial Code.

On an exceptional basis, the term of office of the director representing employee shareholders, which began prior to the Shareholders’ Meeting having approved the financial statements of the year ended December 31, 2007, shall terminate on the expiration date of the term of office in force when this director was appointed.

Where the office of the director representing employee shareholders becomes vacant for any reason, the director’s replacement shall immediately enter into office for the remainder of the term of office of his predecessor.

The conditions for the organization and conduct of the election of the director representing the employee shareholders, where not specified by applicable legal and regulatory provisions, or by these by-laws, particularly with regard to the time limits for the nomination of candidates, shall be established by the board of directors or by the Chairman of the Board acting upon delegation.

4.

In the event of a vacancy for whatever reason of one or more seats of directors representing the employees and for which replacement pursuant to Article L. 225-34 of the French Commercial Code has not been possible, the board of directors, duly composed of the remaining members, may validly meet and deliberate prior to the election of the new director(s) representing employees, who shall be considered as in office for the purposes of determining the minimum number of directors pursuant to paragraph 1 above. This procedure is also applicable in the event that the seat of the director representing the employee shareholders becomes vacant, for whatever reason.

5.

The Board may appoint a secretary, who need not necessarily be a Board member.

6.

The term of office for directors shall be four years.

The duties of the directors, apart from those directors representing employees and, if applicable, the directors representing the French Government, shall cease at the end of the shareholders' meeting convened to approve the financial statements for the previous year, held during the year when their terms of office expire. On an exceptional basis, the terms of office of directors appointed by the Shareholders’ Meeting, which began prior to the Shareholders’ Meeting having approved the financial statements of the year ended December 31, 2007, shall terminate on the expiration date of the term of office in force when those directors were appointed.


5



7.

The shareholders' meeting shall set the directors’ attendance fees.

The board of directors, after express deliberation, shall be free to distribute this remuneration among the directors, subject to applicable legal and regulatory provisions.

Costs incurred by directors during their terms of office shall be reimbursed by the Company against documentary evidence.

8.

Each director appointed by the shareholders' meeting (apart from the director representing the employee shareholders) and each director representing employees, shall own at least one share in the Company.

9.

The board of directors may call upon members of the Company, or individuals outside the Company, to assist at Board meetings without granting them a vote.

10.

Individuals called upon to assist at Board meetings shall be bound by the same rules of discretion as the directors themselves.

11.

The board of directors may appoint, on a motion proposed by its Chairman, one or more “observers” chosen from among the shareholders, whether individuals or legal entities, or from outside their number.

Their terms of office shall be set by the board of directors, but shall not exceed four years.

Observers can always be re-elected. The board of directors may terminate their appointment at any time.

In the event of an observer’s death, dismissal or surrender of office for any other reason, the board of directors may appoint a replacement for the remainder of said observer’s term of office.

Observers are called on to assist as observers at Board meetings and may be consulted by it or by its Chairman.

An observer’s office is unpaid. Nevertheless, the board of directors may authorize reimbursement of expenses which observers incur on behalf of the Company.

ARTICLE 14 - THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS – APPOINTMENT

The board of directors shall elect its Chairman from among its members who are natural persons. The Chairman shall be elected for the entire duration of his office as director and may be re-elected.

The age limit for carrying out the duties of Chairman of the Board of Directors is set at 70 years. If this age limit is reached during office, the Chairman of the Board shall be considered as having resigned from office. 

ARTICLE 15 - BOARD MEETINGS

1.

The board of directors shall convene as often as the Company’s interests so require, pursuant to notice from the Chairman.

The meeting will take place at the registered office or at any other place indicated in the notice to convene. In principle, the notice to convene must be given at least five days in advance by letter, telegram, telex or fax. It must contain the agenda. In the event of an emergency meeting, the notice may be given immediately and by any means, including verbally.

Meetings of the board of directors shall be chaired by the Chairman of the board of directors or, if unable to do so, by the most senior director present.

2.

The Board may not validly deliberate unless a quorum of at least half of its members are present or, as the case may be, are deemed to be present under the terms of (4) hereafter.

Decisions will be taken by a majority of members present, deemed to be present, or represented. In the event of a tie, the Chairman of the meeting shall cast the deciding vote.


6



3.

An attendance sheet shall be kept which must be signed by the directors at the Board meeting and record, as the case may be, the participation of directors by means of videoconferencing or telecommunications. Board decisions shall be recorded in minutes drawn up in compliance with applicable legal provisions and signed by the Chairman of the meeting and by one director or, if the Chairman of the meeting is unable to attend, by two directors. Copies or extracts of the minutes may be certified by the Chairman of the board of directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the Delegated Managing Director, the director temporarily delegated to the duties of Chairman or the holder of a power of attorney duly authorized for this purpose.

4.

The board of directors, in accordance with statutory and regulatory requirements, may draw up internal guidelines fixing the terms and conditions under which directors who take part in a meeting of the Board by means of videoconferencing or telecommunications allowing their identification and assuring their actual participation, are deemed present, for calculating the quorum and the majority. The form and terms of application of these internal guidelines are set forth by decree.

ARTICLE 16 - POWERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The board of directors shall determine the strategy of the Company’s activities and shall ensure its implementation. Subject to the powers expressly granted to the shareholders’ meetings and to the Chairman of the board of directors and within the scope of the corporate objects, the Board shall take up all questions related to the management of the Company and by its deliberations shall settle all related affairs.

The board of directors shall undertake such checks and verifications that it judges appropriate.

The board of directors may decide to set up special, consulting commissions to control, in particular, contracts, the procedures employed to enter into contracts, and to audit France Telecom’s accounts.

The board of directors will determine the by-laws and powers of these commissions. The commissions will report to their tasks to the board of directors.

The board of directors may delegate these powers to any person it deems fit, even not belonging to the Company, either in France or abroad, within the limits of the law and the present by-laws.  

ARTICLE 17 - POWERS OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Chairman of the board of directors shall organize and direct the board’s work, which he shall report on to the general meeting. He shall ensure the proper functioning of the Company’s governing bodies and, shall ensure in particular, that the directors are able to carry out their duties.

In accordance with Article 29-1 and 29.2 of French law no. 90-568 of July 2, 1990, as amended, the Chairman of the board of directors shall have the power to appoint and manage the civil servants employed by the company.

ARTICLE 18 - GENERAL MANAGEMENT

General management of the Company shall be assumed under the responsibility of either the Chairman of the board of directors, who shall then assume the title of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, or, if applicable, by another person appointed by the board of directors and bearing the title of Chief Executive Officer.

The board of directors shall decide between these two arrangements for the exercise of general management, and shall duly inform the shareholders and third parties according to the applicable regulatory conditions.

The decision of the board of directors relating to the choice of form of general management shall be made in accordance with the quorum and majority rules set forth in point 2 of article 15.

The arrangement selected - and any subsequent option - is only valid until the board of directors decides otherwise, acting under the same majority conditions; in any event, the board of directors must make a decision relating to the arrangement for the exercise of general management at the time it nominates or re-appoints its Chairman or at the time it nominates or re-appoints the Chief Executive Officer, if this position is separate from that of Chairman.


7



Where the board of directors elects to separate the positions of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from that of Chief Executive Officer, it shall nominate the Chief Executive Officer from among its directors or from outside their number, set his term of office, determine his remuneration and, where necessary, any limitations to his powers.

The age limit for exercising the duties of Chief Executive Officer is set at 70 years. If the age limit is reached during office, the Chief Executive Officer shall be considered as having resigned from office.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer or, if applicable, the Chief Executive Officer, shall be granted the widest powers to act in any matter on behalf of the Company in all circumstances. He shall exercise his powers within the limits of the corporate purpose and subject to the powers expressly attributed by law to shareholders’ meetings, to the board of directors and, where the positions of Chairman of the board of directors and Chief Executive Officer are separate, to the Chairman of the board.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer or, if applicable, the Chief Executive Officer, shall represent the Company in its relations with third parties. The Company shall be bound also by actions of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer or, if applicable, the Chief Executive Officer, which do not come within the corporate purpose, unless it proves that the third party knew that the action was outside of the limits of this purpose, or that the third party could not have not known this in view of the circumstances, it being specified that the mere publication of the by-laws does not constitute such proof.

ARTICLE 19 -DELEGATED GENERAL MANAGEMENT

At the proposal of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer or, if applicable, the Chief Executive Officer, the board of directors may appoint one or more individuals with the title of Delegated Managing Director(s), who shall be responsible for assisting the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer or, if applicable, the Chief Executive Officer.

The maximum number of Delegated Managing Directors is set at five.

The age limit for exercising the duties of Delegated Managing Directors is set at 70 years. If the age limit is reached during office the Delegated Chief Executive Officer shall be considered as having resigned from office.

In agreement with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer or, if applicable, the Chief Executive Officer, the board of directors shall determine the extent and duration of the powers granted to the Delegated Managing Director(s).

With regard to third parties, the Delegated Managing Director(s) shall have the same powers as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer or, if applicable, the Chief Executive Officer.

The board of directors shall determine the compensation of the Delegated Managing Directors.

If the Chairman and Chief Executive officer or, where applicable, the Chief Executive Officer, ceases to exercise, or is prevented from exercising, his duties, the Delegated Managing Directors shall, except where otherwise decided by the board, remain in office and retain their duties until appointment of the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer or, where applicable, of the new Chief Executive Officer.

ARTICLE 20 - STATUTORY AUDITORS

The Company’s accounts shall be audited by two auditors appointed in conformity with the law and exercising their duties in accordance therewith.

Two deputy auditors shall be appointed to replace the official auditors in the event of refusal, prevention, resignation or death.

ARTICLE 21 - SHAREHOLDERS' MEETINGS

1.

Shareholders’ meetings are composed of all shareholders whose shares are paid up and for whom a right to attend shareholders’ meetings has been established by registration of the shares in an account in the name either of the shareholder or of the intermediary holding their account where the shareholder is not resident in France, by 0:00 a.m. (Paris time) on the third business day preceding the meeting.


8



The shares must be registered within the time limit specified in the preceding paragraph either in an account in their own name maintained by the Company, or in the bearer share accounts maintained by the authorized intermediary.

If it sees fit to do so, the board of directors may distribute personalized admission cards to shareholders and require them to produce these cards at the meeting.

Shareholders participating via video-conferencing or other means of telecommunications contemplated by law and regulation that allow identification shall be deemed present for the calculation of quorum and majority of shareholders’ meetings.

The board of directors organizes, in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements, the participation and vote of these shareholders at the meeting, assuring, in particular, the effectiveness of the means of identification.

Any shareholder may, in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements, vote without attending the meeting or by proxy by granting a proxy to their spouse or to another shareholder in order to be represented at a shareholders’ meeting.

Shareholders may, in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements, send their vote or proxy, either by hard copy or via means of telecommunications, until 3 p.m. (Paris time) the day before the meeting. Transmission methods are set forth by the board of directors in the notice of meeting and the notice to attend.

Shareholders sending in their vote within the time limit specified under this section, by means of the form provided by the Company to shareholders, are deemed present or represented at the meeting.

The forms for sending in a vote or a proxy, as well as the certificate of attendance, can be completed in electronic format duly signed in the conditions specified by the applicable laws and regulations. For this purpose, the recording of the electronic signature on the certificate can be made directly on the Internet site established by the organizer of the meeting. The electronic signature may be carried out by recording, in conditions which comply with the first sentence of the second paragraph of Article 1316-4 of the French Civil Code (Code Civil), by means of an identifier and password or by any other procedure meeting the conditions defined in the first sentence of the second paragraph of Article 1316-4 of the French Civil Code. The proxy or the vote thus cast prior to the meeting by electronic means, as well as where applicable the acknowledgement sent in response, will be considered as irrevocable and binding records, with the exception of the transfer of shares subject to the notification foreseen by section IV of Article R. 225-85 of the French Commercial Code.

Shareholders who are not resident in France may be represented at a shareholders’ meeting by a registered intermediary who may participate subject to legal requirements.

2.

Shareholders’ meetings are convened by the board of directors, or, failing that, by the auditors, or by any person empowered for this purpose. Meetings are held at the registered offices or any other location indicated in the notice to convene.

Subject to exceptions provided by law, notices must be given at least 15 days before the date of the meeting. When the shareholders’ meeting cannot deliberate due to the lack of the required quorum, the second meeting and, if applicable, the second postponed meeting, must be called at least six days in advance in the same manner as used for the first notice.

3.

The agenda of the shareholders’ meeting shall appear in the notice to convene for meeting and is set by the author of the notice.

The shareholders’ meeting may only deliberate on the items on the agenda.

One or more shareholders representing the percentage of capital required by law, and acting in accordance with legal requirements and within applicable time limits, may request the inclusion of proposed resolutions on the agenda.

An attendance sheet containing the information required by law shall be kept at each shareholders’ meeting.

Shareholders’ meetings shall be chaired by the Chairman of the board of directors or, in his or her absence, by a director appointed for this purpose by the board of directors; failing which, the meeting itself shall elect a chairman.


9



Vote counting shall be performed by the two members of the meeting who are present and accept such duties, who represent, either on their own behalf or as proxies, the greatest number of votes.

The officers shall name a secretary, who does not have to be a shareholder.

The mission of the meeting’s officers is to verify, certify and sign the attendance sheet, ensure the proper conduct of debates, settle any incidents occurring during the meeting, check the votes cast and ensure their legality and ensure that minutes of the meeting are drawn up. 

The minutes shall be prepared, and copies or excerpts of the deliberations shall be issued and certified as required by law.

4.

Ordinary shareholders’ meetings are those meetings called to make any and all decisions that do not amend the by-laws. An ordinary meeting shall be convened at least once a year within six months of the end of each financial year in order to approve the annual and consolidated accounts for the year in question or, in case of postponement, within the period established by court order.

On the first convocation, the meeting may validly deliberate only if the shareholders present or represented by proxy or voting by mail represent at least one-fifth of the shares entitled to vote. Upon the second convocation, no quorum is required. Decisions are made by a majority of votes held by the shareholders present, represented by proxy, or voting by mail.

Only the extraordinary shareholders’ meeting is authorized to amend any and all provisions of the by-laws. It may not, however, increase shareholder commitments, except for properly executed transactions resulting from a share consolidation.

Subject to the legal provisions governing capital increases from reserves, profits or share premiums, the resolutions of the extraordinary meeting shall be valid only if the shareholders present, represented by proxy or voting by mail represent at least one-fourth of all shares entitled to vote when convened for the first time, or one-fifth when convened for the second time. If the latter quorum is not reached, the second meeting may be postponed to a date no later than two months after the date for which it was called.

Subject to the same condition, the second meeting shall make decisions by a two-thirds majority of the shareholders present, represented by proxy, or voting by mail. 

ARTICLE 22 - SHAREHOLDERS’ RIGHT TO OBTAIN INFORMATION

All shareholders are entitled to access the documents necessary to allow them to have full knowledge of relevant facts and make an informed judgment concerning the management and operation of the Company.

The nature of these documents and the conditions under which they are mailed or made available are set by law.

ARTICLE 23 - FINANCIAL YEAR

The financial year is twelve months, beginning January 1 and ending December 31 of each year.

ARTICLE 24 - ANNUAL AND CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS

The board of directors shall keep proper accounts of corporate activities and draw up annual and consolidated accounts, in conformity with applicable laws, regulations and standards.

ARTICLE 25 - ALLOCATION OF RESULTS FROM THE ANNUAL ACCOUNTS

The income statement, which summarizes the income and expenses for the financial year, shows, after deduction of depreciation and amortization and provisions, the profit or loss for the year.


10



Of the earnings for the financial year less prior losses, if any, at least 5% is set aside to fund the legal reserve. This withdrawal ceases to be mandatory when the reserve reaches one-tenth of the share capital; it resumes when, for any reason, the legal reserve falls below this one-tenth figure.

Distributable profits consist of the profits for the year, less prior losses, plus the amounts to be placed in reserves as required by law or the by-laws, plus retained earnings. The shareholders’ meeting may withdraw from these earnings any sums it deems appropriate to allocate to any optional reserves or to carry forward to the next financial year.

Moreover, the shareholders’ meeting may decide to distribute sums taken from reserves at its disposal, expressly indicating the reserve items from which such withdrawals are made. However, dividends shall first be taken from the distributable earnings for the year.

Except in the case of a capital reduction, no distribution may be made to shareholders when shareholders’ equity is or would, as a result of such a distribution, be less than the amount of capital plus reserves which the law or the by-laws prohibit from being distributed. The re-evaluation variance may not be distributed; it may be incorporated, in whole or in part, into the capital.

ARTICLE 26 - PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS

The terms and conditions for the payment of the dividends approved by the shareholders’ Meeting are determined by the shareholders’ meeting, or in lieu, by the board of directors. However, cash dividends must be paid within a maximum of nine months after the close of the financial year, unless extended by court order.

The ordinary shareholders’ meeting may grant each shareholder, for all or part of the dividends to be distributed, an option between payment of the dividends in cash or in shares, subject to legal requirements.

Interim dividends may be distributed before the approval of the financial statements for the year when the balance sheet established during or at the end of a financial year and certified by an auditor, shows that the Company has made a profit since the close of the last financial year, after recognizing the necessary depreciation and provisions and after deducting prior losses, if any, and the sums to be allocated to reserves, as required by law or the by-laws, and including any retained earnings. The amount of such interim dividends may not exceed the amount of the profit so defined.

Dividends not claimed within five years after the payment date shall be deemed to expire.

ARTICLE 27 - LIQUIDATION

Subject to the applicable legal provisions, the Company shall be in liquidation from the time of its winding-up, however brought about. The general meeting of shareholders shall then decide on the method of liquidation and appoint the liquidator(s). The legal entity of the Company shall continue for the purposes of liquidation, until its definitive closure.

The Company shall, insofar as all other liquidation conditions and arrangements are concerned, abide by the applicable legal provisions, subject to the rights of its shareholders as set forth in these by-laws; specifically, after its liabilities have been discharged, any balance that may be available for distribution shall be divided equally between all of the shares.

ARTICLE 28 - DISPUTES

All disputes which may arise during the Company’s existence or its liquidation, either between the shareholders and the Company or among the shareholders themselves, concerning the business of the Company or the interpretation or implementation of these by-laws will be submitted to the jurisdiction of the relevant courts located in the jurisdiction where the Company's head office is situation.


11


EX-10.1 3 exhibit101.htm EXHIBIT 10.1 Exhibit 10.1

Exhibit 10.1


Consent of independent registered public accounting firm



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-114841) pertaining to the France Telecom Liquidity Plan for US Employees of Orange SA and in the Registration Statement and related Prospectus on Form F-3 (File No. 333-156003) of our report dated March 4, 2009 relating to the consolidated financial statements of France Telecom and subsidiaries (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the decision of the European Commission relating to business tax), and our report dated March 4, 2009 on the effectiveness of France Telecom’s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 20-F of France Telecom for the year ended December 31, 2008.


/s/ DELOITTE & ASSOCIÉS


Neuilly-sur-Seine, France

April 23, 2009



EX-10.2 4 exhibit102.htm EXHIBIT 10.2 Exhibit 10.2

Exhibit 10.2


Consent of independent registered public accounting firm



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-114841) pertaining to the France Telecom Liquidity Plan for US Employees of Orange SA and in the Registration Statement and related Prospectus (Form F-3 No. 333-156003) of our report dated March 4, 2009, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of France Telecom and our report dated March 4, 2009 on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of France Telecom, included in this Annual Report (Form 20-F) for the year ended December 31, 2008.



/s/ ERNST & YOUNG Audit

Represented by Christian Chiarasini


Paris - La Défense, France

April 23, 2009




EX-12.1 5 exhibit121.htm EXHIBIT 12.1 Exhibit 12.1

Exhibit 12.1


Certification


I, Didier Lombard, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of France Telecom;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:

(a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.


/s/ Didier Lombard

Name: Didier Lombard

Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Paris, France

April 23, 2009




EX-12.2 6 exhibit122.htm EXHIBIT 12.2 Exhibit 12.2

Exhibit 12.2


Certification


I, Gervais Pellissier, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of France Telecom;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:

(a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

(c) evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

/s/ Gervais Pellissier

Name: Gervais Pellissier

Title: Chief Financial Officer

Paris, France

April 23, 2009




EX-13.1 7 exhibit131.htm EXHIBIT 13.1 Exhibit 13.1

Exhibit 13.1


Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


In connection with the annual report of France Telecom (the “Company”) on Form 20-F for the period ending December 31, 2008, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned hereby certifies that to the best of my knowledge:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.


/s/ Didier Lombard

Name: Didier Lombard

Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Paris, France

April 23, 2009



This certification will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. This certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to France Telecom and will be retained by France Telecom and furnished to the Securities Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.




EX-13.2 8 exhibit132.htm EXHIBIT 13.2 Exhibit 13.2

Exhibit 13.2


Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


In connection with the annual report of France Telecom (the “Company”) on Form 20-F for the period ending December 31, 2008, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned hereby certifies that to the best of my knowledge:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.


/s/ Gervais Pellissier

Name: Gervais Pellissier

Title: Chief Financial Officer

Paris, France

April 23, 2009



This certification will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. This certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to France Telecom and will be retained by France Telecom and furnished to the Securities Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.




EX-99 9 exhibit99.htm EXHIBIT 99 Exhibit 99

Exhibit 99


5.5.1

Transition from Data on a Historical Basis to Data on a Comparable Basis for 2006

The method used is to apply to the 2006 data the methods and scope of consolidation for 2007 and the foreign exchange rates used for the 2006 income statement.

Group Summary - 2006

Principle operating indicators - 2006

The following table shows for year 2006 the transition from historical data to data on a comparable basis for the principal operating indicators of the France Telecom group.

(in millions of euros)

Year ended December 31, 2006

Revenues

GOM (1)

Depreciation and amortization

CAPEX (1)

Average
nb of employees

Data on a historical basis

51,702

18,539

(7,824)

6,732

189,028

Changes in scope of consolidation (2)

65

(3)

(2)

6

2,315

Newly consolidated companies

360

37

(48)

52

2,903

Full consolidation of Jordan Telecommunications Company (JTC)

and its subsidiaries

115

54

(18)

14

943

Acquisition of Groupe Silicomp

106

(10)

(2)

2

1,120

Acquisition of T-Online Telecommunications Spain which became FT España ISP (Ya.com)

71

(3)

(26)

30

198

Acquisition of Groupe Diwan

22

-

-

-

156

Acquisition of VOXmobile

17

(1)

(2)

5

48

Acquisition of Top Achat Clust

10

(1)

-

-

-

Other

19

(2)

-

1

438

Companies no longer consolidated

(295)

(40)

46

(46)

(588)

Sale of Orange’s mobile and Internet businesses in the Netherlands

(172)

(30)

39

(42)

(359)

Sale of France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications (FTMSC)

(120)

(9)

7

(4)

(205)

Other

(3)

(1)

-

-

(24)

Other changes (2)

(44)

13

(4)

-

-

Foreign exchange rates fluctuations (2) (3)

(182)

(63)

3

(17)

-

DATA ON A COMPARABLE BASIS (2)

51,541

18,486

(7,827)

6,721

191,343

(1) See Section 5.11 “Non-GAAP financial measures” and Section 5.12 “Financial glossary”.

(2) Unaudited data.

(3) Foreign exchange rate fluctuations between the average exchange rates for 2006 and the average exchange rates for 2007.




2



Operating expenses included in the GOM - 2006

The following table shows for year 2006 the transition from historical data to data on a comparable basis for operating expenses included in the GOM of the France Telecom group.

(in millions of euros)

Year ended December 31, 2006

Revenues

OPEX excluding labour expenses

(wages and employee benefit expenses)

Labour expenses (wages and employee benefit expenses)

GOM

Data on a historical basis

51,702

(24,571)

(8,592)

18,539

Changes in scope of consolidation (1)

65

2

(70)

(3)

Other changes (1)

(44)

79

(22)

13

Foreign exchange rates fluctuations (1) (2)

(182)

102

17

(63)

DATA ON A COMPARABLE BASIS (1)

51,541

(24,388)

(8,667)

18,486

(1) Unaudited data.

(2) Impact of the foreign exchange rate fluctuations between the average exchange rates for 2006 and the average exchange rates for 2007.


Details of the transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis - 2006

The variations included in the transition from data on a historical basis to data on a comparable basis for 2006 primarily include:

• changes in scope of consolidation (see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements) which primarily reflected the impact of:

- the full consolidation of Jordan Telecommunications Company (JTC, HCS Rest of the world sub-segment) and its subsidiaries Wanadoo Jordan, E-Dimension (HCS Rest of the world sub-segment) and Mobilecom (PCS Rest of the world sub-segment) on July 5, 2006, effective January 1, 2006 in the comparable basis data. Prior to July 5, 2006, France Telecom’s investment in the Jordan Telecommunications Company (JTC) was consolidated proportionately,

- the acquisition of the Groupe Silicomp (ECS business segment) on January 4, 2007, effective January 1, 2006 in the comparable basis data (see Section 5.1.4 “Main events that took place in 2007”),

- the acquisition of T-Online Telecommunications Spain (which became FT España ISP, HCS Rest of the world sub-segment), which operated under the Ya.com brand, on July 31, 2007, effective August 1, 2006 in the comparable basis data (see Section 5.1.4 “Main events that took place in 2007”),

- the acquisition of the Groupe Diwan (ECS business segment) on July 27, 2007, effective January 1, 2006 in the comparable basis data,

- the acquisition of VOXmobile (PCS Rest of the world business sub-segment) on July 2, 2007, effective July 1, 2006 in the comparable basis data (see Section 5.1.4 “Main events that took place in 2007”),

- the acquisition of Top Achat Clust (HCS France business sub-segment) on March 31, 2006, effective January 1, 2006 in the comparable basis data,

- the disposal of Orange Internet and mobile businesses in the Netherlands (HCS Rest of the world and PCS Rest of the world sub-segment) on October 1, 2007, effective October 1, 2006 in the comparable basis data (see Section 5.1.4 “Main events that took place in 2007”), and

- the disposal of France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications (FTMSC France HCS business sub-segment) on October 31, 2006, effective January 1, 2006 in the comparable basis data; and

• foreign exchange rates fluctuations between average exchange rates for 2006 and average exchange rates for 2007.



3



Personal Communication Services (PCS) - 2006

The following table shows for year 2006 the transition from historical data to data on a comparable basis for the principal operating indicators of the PCS segment.

(in millions of euros)

Year ended December 31, 2006

PCS

Revenues

GOM

Depreciation and amortization

CAPEX

Average
nb of employees

Data on a historical basis

27,745

9,686

(4,183)

3,581

37,214

Changes in scope of consolidation (1)

(91)

(15)

23

(21)

(93)

Sale of Orange’s mobile businesses

in the Netherlands

(153)

(26)

33

(36)

(302)

Full consolidation of Jordan Telecommunications Company (JTC) subsidiaries

43

15

(7)

10

145

Acquisition of VOXmobile

17

(1)

(2)

5

48

Other

2

(3)

(1)

-

16

Other changes (1)

1

(180)

62

(125)

(1,513)

Internal reorganizations (2)

7

(167)

76

(126)

(1,513)

Other

(6)

(13)

(14)

1

-

Foreign exchange rates fluctuations (1) (3)

(117)

(57)

16

(22)

-

DATA ON A COMPARABLE BASIS (1)

27,538

9,434

(4,082)

3,413

35,608

(1) Unaudited data.

(2) Internal reorganization between business segments with no effect at the Group level.

(3) Foreign exchange rate fluctuations between the average exchange rates for 2006 and the average exchange rates for 2007.


Home Communication Services (HCS) - 2006

The following table shows for year 2006 the transition from historical data to data on a comparable basis for the principal operating indicators of the HCS segment.

(in millions of euros)

Year ended December 31, 2006

HCS

Revenues

GOM

Depreciation and amortization

CAPEX

Average
nb of employees

Data on a historical basis

22,487

7,265

(3,241)

2,721

134,447

Changes in scope of consolidation (1)

15

22

(24)

25

738

Sale of France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications (FTMSC)

(121)

(9)

7

(4)

(205)

Full consolidation of Jordan Telecommunications Company (JTC) and its subsidiaries

79

39

(11)

5

798

Acquisition of T-Online Telecommunications Spain which became FT España ISP (Ya.com)

71

(3)

(26)

30

198

Sale of Orange’s Internet businesses in the Netherlands

(25)

(4)

6

(7)

(57)

Acquisition of Top Achat Clust

10

(1)

-

-

-

Other

1

-

-

1

4

Other changes (1)

165

324

(65)

122

1,819

Internal reorganizations (2)

201

296

(76)

126

1,819

Other

(36)

28

11

(4)

-

Foreign exchange rates fluctuations (1) (3)

58

30

(21)

11

-

DATA ON A COMPARABLE BASIS (1)

22,725

7,641

(3,351)

2,879

137,004

(1) Unaudited data.

(2) Internal reorganization between business segments with no effect at Group level.

(3) Foreign exchange rate fluctuations between the average exchange rates for 2006 and the average exchange rates for 2007.




4



Enterprise Communication Services (ECS) - 2006

The following table shows for year 2006 the transition from historical data to data on a comparable basis for the principal operating indicators of the ECS segment.

(in millions of euros)

Year ended December 31, 2006

ECS

Revenues

GOM

Depreciation and amortization

CAPEX

Average
nb of employees

Data on a historical basis

7,652

1,590

(402)

430

17,367

Changes in scope of consolidation (1)

141

(10)

(2)

2

1,669

Acquisition of Groupe Silicomp

106

(10)

(2)

2

1,120

Acquisition of Groupe Diwan

22

-

-

-

156

Other

13

-

-

-

393

Other changes (1)

19

(130)

(1)

3

(305)

Internal reorganizations (2)

-

(140)

-

-

(305)

Other

19

10

(1)

3

-

Foreign exchange rates fluctuations (1) (3)

(123)

(36)

8

(6)

-

DATA ON A COMPARABLE BASIS (1)

7,689

1,414

(397)

429

18,731

(1) Unaudited data.

(2) Internal reorganization between business segments with no effect at the Group level.

(3) Foreign exchange rate fluctuations between the average exchange rates for 2006 and the average exchange rates for 2007.




5


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