1992
Hachette is merged into Matra to form Matra-Hachette, and Lagardère Groupe, a French partnership limited by shares, is created as the umbrella company for the entire ensemble.
Strategic alliance between Matra Communication and Northern Telecom. This partnership will allow Matra to continue to grow and to strengthen its international strategy in the telecommunications field.
1993
Hachette Livre launches the first multimedia encyclopaedia, Axis.
1994
The 400,000th Espace leaves the Romorantin factory.
Matra Marconi space acquires British Aerospace’s space division, making it the leading European space group and the third-largest in the world.
1995
Hachette Distribution Services acquires Canada’s leading newsstand chain, UCS, and becomes the third-largest operator in the retail press sector.
Elle celebrates its 50th anniversary, extending its influence to 26 countries around the world.
1996
Matra-Hachette is absorbed into Lagardère Groupe, which changes its name to Lagardère SCA.
Matra Défense and BAe Dynamics merge to form the new company Matra BAe Dynamics, the leading weapons manufacturer in Europe and the third largest in the world.
Hachette Livre acquires the Hatier group, France’s third-largest educational publisher.
1997
Merger of Hachette Filipacchi Presse and Filipacchi Médias to become Hachette Filipacchi Médias.
1998
International growth of Hachette Livre with the acquisitions of the British firms Orion and Cassell.
1999
Acquisition of 80% of Rusconi Editore in Italy.
Arnaud Lagardère is named president of Europe 1 Communication.
Aerospatiale Matra is created following the merger of Aerospatiale and Matra Hautes Technologies.