
Axa Plans Up to €1.2 Billion Buyback as Earnings Beat Estimates
Axa SA plans to repurchase as much as €1.2 billion of stock this year and raise its dividend by 9%, rewarding shareholders after the French insurer reported better-than-expected earnings fueled by growth in its property and life insurance businesses.
The buyback is in addition to the already-announced €3.8 billion repurchase planned after Axa completes the sale of its investment management business to BNP Paribas by the end of June, the company said in a statement on Thursday.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


CNN
an hour ago
- CNN
Huge coin collection found hidden in house's walls sells for nearly $3.5 million
A huge collection of historic gold coins, recovered from the wall of a house in France after their owner passed away, has been sold for millions of euros at auction. Auction house Beaussant Lefèvre and Associates told CNN on Thursday that all of the coins had sold in Paris this week, fetching more than 3 million euros ($3.48 million) in total. The coins were collected by Paul Narce, who lived in a small village in south-west France until his death in 2024, according to Beaussant Lefèvre and Associates. 'Narce, who lived a modest life and didn't see a lot of the world, spent all of his money on his collection,' said coin expert Thierry Parsy in a statement previewing the sale. Over the years, he built up a collection of gold coins 'exceptional both in number, with more than 1,000 pieces, as well as the rarities it contains,' said Parsy. Many of the coins date back centuries, according to Parsy. Among them are ancient coins from the Kingdom of Macedonia, dating to 336-323 BC, as well as almost complete series of coins used during the reigns of French Kings Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI. Narce had no direct descendants and only a few people knew of his hobby. However, no one knew where he kept his collection, which 'could have remained undiscovered forever,' said Parsy, were it not for a notary who set out to find the coins in the house, which had been empty since Narce moved into a care home a year before he died. The notary eventually found the coins in a small space in the wall, hidden behind a painting in a store room. In addition to the carefully labelled collection, the notary also found 10 packages, each containing 172 gold 20 franc coins, equivalent to an ingot of gold. The final sale far exceeded the pre-auction estimate of 2 million euros ($2.43 million).
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Chanel Names Global Chief Communications Officer
PARIS — Chanel has named Ruth Warder as global chief communications officer, a newly created position based in London, effective in September. Warder, who was most recently chief executive officer for the U.K. and Ireland and EMEA brand chair at global communications firm Edelman, will report to Leena Nair, global CEO of Chanel, as part of the global leadership team, Chanel said on Thursday. More from WWD Shoppers Are Investing in Luxury Handbags Over Stock Prince William Hands Chanel's Leena Nair Honor for Services to Retail and Consumer Sector Robert De Niro, Joe Jonas, Allison Janney and More Attend Chanel's 18th Annual Tribeca Artists Dinner 'Ruth is a highly accomplished and globally recognized expert in successfully positioning brands within an increasingly complex and fragmented communications landscape,' the house said in a statement. 'Building on the strengths of Chanel's existing global communications teams, she will continue to develop a cohesive, proactive reputation strategy and amplify our voice as we grow our positive influence and impact in the world,' it added. The nomination comes as Chanel charts a new path under the creative direction of Matthieu Blazy, while navigating a global slowdown in luxury spending. The French fashion house said revenues fell 4.3 percent at comparable rates to $18.7 billion in 2024, following several years of strong growth. Warder joined Edelman in 2013 and has experience across the tech, retail, entertainment, luxury and FMCG sectors. She is credited with introducing new specialisms at Edelman in the fields of workplace advisory, sustainability and AI, while driving the company's strategy on topics including DEI and leadership development. Prior to that, she was managing director at Jackie Cooper PR, and she started her career at Freud Communications. Meanwhile, Michael Giugliano, former head of brand expansion at Bottega Veneta, confirmed on Instagram this week that he was starting at Chanel. WWD reported in April that Blazy, who officially started on April 1, was building out his team and looking to bring Giugliano on board. A spokeswoman for Chanel said Giugliano would head its celebrities team and would be based in Paris, but did not confirm his exact title. Best of WWD EXCLUSIVE: Maje Names Charlotte Tasset Ferrec CEO Nadja Swarovski Exits Family Company Amid Ongoing Corporate Shakeup Aeffe MD Exits Fashion Group
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
France Social Commerce Market Databook 2025: Competitive Landscape and Regulatory Developments in France's Social Commerce Market with Focus on Facebook, Instagram, Rue du Commerce, Smiirl & Sephora
From 2025-2030, a 22.1% CAGR is expected in the French social commerce market, expanding the market to $55.96 billion by 2030. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok drive this trend, with significant consumer engagement through livestream shopping and influencer marketing. Comprehensive analysis of market dynamics, regulatory impacts, and consumer behavior highlights future opportunities for businesses optimizing their social commerce strategies. Dublin, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "France Social Commerce Market Intelligence and Future Growth Dynamics Databook - 50+ KPIs on Social Commerce Trends by End-Use Sectors, Operational KPIs, Retail Product Dynamics, and Consumer Demographics - Q2 2025 Update" report has been added to social commerce market in France is witnessing rapid expansion, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 24.1% to reach USD 20.64 billion by 2025. From 2021 to 2024, the market flourished at a robust CAGR of 26.1%, and this momentum is expected to persist, projecting a CAGR of 22.1% from 2025 to 2030. By 2030, the sector could see exponential growth, expanding from USD 16.64 billion in 2024 to a remarkable USD 55.96 report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the social commerce sector in France, covering market opportunities and risks across a range of retail categories. With over 50+ KPIs at the country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of social commerce market dynamics, market size and forecast, and market share breaks down market opportunities in the social commerce sector by type of domestic vs cross-border, type of social platform, type of payment method, business model, end-use consumer segment, and type of city. In addition, it provides a snapshot of consumer behaviour and retail spending dynamics. KPIs in both value and volume terms help in getting an in-depth understanding of end market InsightsFrance's social commerce sector is on a strong growth trajectory, with platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok driving increased consumer engagement. Businesses are expected to optimize their social media storefronts and engagement strategies, leading to higher conversion rates and stronger consumer trust. The emergence of livestream shopping events, such as Carrefour's "Brut Shop," is further reshaping how brands interact with consumers, offering real-time purchasing experiences that enhance transparency and the next 2-4 years, social commerce in France will continue evolving, with livestream shopping and influencer-driven marketing playing a larger role in purchasing decisions. Retailers will likely integrate these formats into their digital strategies, making them a core part of customer engagement efforts. With influencer marketing continuing to grow, brands will focus on micro-influencers and authenticity to maintain consumer trust. As social commerce becomes more sophisticated, businesses that adapt quickly to these trends will be well-positioned to capitalize on France's expanding digital retail Growth in the Social Commerce Market The seamless integration of shopping features into platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accelerates consumer adoption, making in-app purchasing an essential part of online shopping behavior. The dominance of Facebook and Instagram, which together captured 70% of social commerce revenues in 2023, underscores the platforms' influence in shaping purchasing decisions. The ability to browse, review, and purchase products within a single platform reduces friction in the buying process, driving higher engagement and conversion rates. As TikTok strengthens its commerce capabilities, competition among platforms is expected to increase, providing brands with new opportunities to engage consumers through interactive content and influencer marketing. Over the next 2-4 years, businesses will increasingly invest in optimizing their social media storefronts and enhancing customer engagement strategies. These investments will likely improve consumer trust and drive higher sales volumes, solidifying social commerce as a mainstream retail channel in France. As competition intensifies, brands must differentiate themselves through personalized experiences, influencer collaborations, and advanced social shopping tools to sustain long-term growth. Emergence of Livestream Shopping Events Livestream shopping is gaining traction in France's social commerce landscape as retailers leverage this format to enhance consumer engagement. Carrefour's partnership with digital media company Brut to launch "Brut Shop" highlights the growing interest in live social commerce. This approach allows brands to showcase products in real time, interact with viewers, and drive immediate purchases, making it an effective strategy for increasing conversions. The interactive and immersive nature of livestream shopping makes it particularly appealing to consumers seeking authentic shopping experiences. Viewers can ask questions, see product demonstrations, and receive instant responses, fostering greater trust and transparency in buying. As social media platforms continue to integrate livestream commerce tools, brands and influencers will increasingly adopt this model to engage with audiences more dynamically. Over the next 2-4 years, livestream shopping will become a standard component of online retail strategies in France. More retailers will likely invest in technology and partnerships to enhance their livestream shopping capabilities. As consumers become more familiar with this format, its adoption is expected to expand across industries, making it a key driver of growth in the French social commerce ecosystem. Influence of Social Media on Consumer Purchasing Decisions Social media platforms play a crucial role in shaping consumer purchasing behavior in France, with many users relying on content from peers, influencers, and brands to discover new products. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook serve as key brand touchpoints to engage potential customers through short-form videos, product reviews, and interactive posts. The ability to showcase products visually compellingly makes social commerce an effective channel for brands looking to build awareness and drive conversions. The trust and authenticity associated with influencer content have made influencer marketing a dominant force in social commerce. Consumers are likelier to engage with and purchase products recommended by influencers, as their endorsements often feel genuine and relatable. Social media's interactive features - such as, comments, and shares - foster community engagement, reinforcing peer validation and credibility in purchasing decisions. Over the next 2-4 years, businesses will continue investing in influencer marketing to strengthen their presence in social commerce. The rise of micro-influencers and niche communities is expected to drive a more targeted and authentic marketing approach, enhancing consumer trust. As influencer partnerships become more data-driven and performance-oriented, brands will refine their social commerce strategies to maximize engagement and sales in the French market. Competitive Landscape and Regulatory Developments in France's Social Commerce MarketFrance's social commerce market is rapidly expanding, with global platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok leading the sector. Local companies such as Rue du Commerce and LDLC Group are also shaping the landscape, alongside new strategic partnerships such as Sephora's collaboration with Instagram for integrated shopping. These developments reflect the increasing competitiveness of social commerce in France as businesses seek innovative ways to engage consumers and optimize digital shopping the next 2-4 years, competition in France's social commerce market is expected to intensify, with more partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions as companies strive for market dominance. The regulatory environment is also evolving, with stricter foreign direct investment controls and EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation requirements impacting market operations and deal structures. As businesses adapt, those integrating social commerce into their broader e-commerce strategies while ensuring compliance with regulatory changes will be best positioned to capitalize on the market's continued growth and consumer engagement trends. Key Players and New Entrants Established platforms such as Facebook and Instagram have integrated shopping features, enabling businesses to showcase products and facilitate purchases within the apps. TikTok is also expanding its social commerce capabilities, recognizing the platform's influence on consumer purchasing decisions. Local companies such as Rue du Commerce have emerged as key players in France's social commerce market. Rue du Commerce operates an online retail platform offering various products, including electronics, home goods, and fashion items. Recent Launches, Mergers, and Acquisitions The acquisition of Rue du Commerce by LDLC Group in April 2024 marks a strategic move to expand its footprint in the French e-commerce market. By integrating Rue du Commerce's platform, LDLC aims to diversify its product offerings and strengthen customer reach, leveraging the growing consumer shift toward online and social commerce. This acquisition is expected to enhance competition in the sector, encouraging other retailers to explore similar expansion strategies to maintain market relevance. Sephora's partnership with Instagram in January 2024, in a separate development, introduced a new in-app shopping feature, enabling users to purchase products directly through the platform. This move reflects the growing importance of social commerce and the need for brands to meet consumers where they engage most - on social media. By streamlining the shopping experience within Instagram, Sephora is enhancing customer convenience and driving impulse purchases, setting a precedent for other beauty and retail brands to follow. Outlook As consumer engagement on social platforms continues, existing players and new entrants will find opportunities to capture market share through innovative shopping features and influencer-driven marketing strategies. The growing demand for seamless in-app purchasing and interactive commerce experiences will drive further investment in digital retail solutions. As the market becomes more competitive, companies will likely pursue strategic partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions to strengthen their social commerce capabilities. Additionally, evolving regulatory frameworks will influence the industry's growth, ensuring market players comply with fair competition practices. Businesses that align their strategies with regulatory changes while investing in enhanced customer experiences will be well-positioned to capitalize on France's expanding social commerce sector. Regulatory Changes In January 2024, France amended its foreign direct investment rules, expanding the scope of covered investments and activities subject to regulatory approval. This change aims to protect national interests and ensure fair competition within the market. Companies Featured Facebook Instagram Rue du Commerce Smiirl Sephora Report ScopeThis report provides in-depth, data-centric analysis of social commerce in France. Below is a summary of key market segments: France Ecommerce Industry Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Key Performance Indicators, 2021-2030 France Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Key Performance Indicators, 2021-2030 France Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Retail Product Categories, 2021-2030 France Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by End Use Consumer Segment, 2021-2030 France Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by End Use Device, 2021-2030 France Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Location, 2021-2030 France Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Payment Method, 2021-2030 France Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Platforms France Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Consumer Demographics & Behaviour, 2024 France Social Commerce Market Share by Key Players, 2024 For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900