1981
Europe 1 is sold to the French State, which also acquires a 51% interest in Matra (excluding Hachette).
1983
The first VAL automated metro line opens in Lille.
Matra Automobile launches the first “one-box” vehicle, the Espace, under the Renault brand.
1985
Hachette launches the Relais H. trading name.
1986
Hachette regains control of Europe 1.
1987
Europe 1 launched Europe 2 and began expanding abroad.
1988
Hachette acquires the encyclopedic publisher Grolier and the press group Diamandis in the United States, which will become Hachette Magazines Inc.
Matra is privatised.
1989
Creation of the Jean-Luc Lagardère Foundation dedicated to the Group’s sponsorship activities in the fields of culture, community and youth.
1990
Matra Espace and the aerospace division of GEC Marconi merge to create Matra Marconi Space, the leading aerospace company in Europe.
1991
Launch of the new generation Espace, developed and manufactured in close partnership with Renault.