France to Block Financial Aid For Companies Paying Dividends

Finance Minister Le Maire urges utmost moderation in payouts
Le Maire says shareholders must wait for better days

French Economic Activity Collapses on Coronavirus Containment — Photographer: Cyril Marcilhacy/Bloomberg

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By Geraldine Amiel, Francois de Beaupuy, and William Horobin

March 27, 2020 at 10:24 AM UTC

Updated on

March 27, 2020 at 7:48 PM UTC

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The French government said it will cut or withhold financial support from companies paying dividends and urged boards to preserve liquidity to support staff and operations amid the economic fallout from the coronavirus.