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To convince small savers to invest in the FDJ, the French government granted them a discount of 2% on the price of securities, and a free share for ten purchased provided that they are kept 18 months minimum. REUTERS / Regis Duvignau / Illustration

Successful bet for the French games (FDJ), whose IPO is scheduled for Thursday, November 21, 2019 in Paris.

For the largest privatization operation in France for more than a decade, that of the FDJ, investors and individuals have requested more than 11 billion euros of shares. A " spectacular " success, according to the French Minister of the Economy Bruno Le Maire who, given the demand, set Wednesday the price of the French title of games to just under 19.90 euros.

Some 1.6 billion euros come from small investors, who were particularly targeted by the operation. More than 500,000 individuals participated in the subscription launched two weeks ago. As a result, this Thursday, 40% of the French actions will be reserved for them. To encourage them to invest, they have been granted haircuts and free shares provided they make a long-term commitment.

► Also to listen: The privatization of the FDJ, a real popular operation?

According to Bruno Le Maire, who will be present for the ceremony of IPO on Thursday, the national lottery will be owned 60% by the State, historical shareholders (veterans included) and the French. French all the more seduced that the placement is safe and profitable, 3 to 4% per year. The state will itself hold only about 28% of the capital, so less dividends.

But the latter must take great advantage of the operation: 2.1 billion euros, expected to increase investment in technology industries. And even after the operation, the state will continue to be paid 3.5 billion annual tax and social revenue, and 380 million by the FDJ in exchange for the monopoly to continue operating lottery games and bets.

► To listen also: For Mr. Juanico de Génération.s, " the State brades the national heritage "