However, these plans were put on hold several months later because of "market conditions".
When market conditions changed, however, it was no longer of much economic benefit.
"The time of the year and the market conditions right now were both factors," he said.
The firm's performance in 1998 was good, he said, given the poor market conditions.
But the French company said it did not expect a deal under the current market conditions.
If only we had the government that would create the right market conditions and then get out of the way.
But he said the market conditions may actually help the company in the future.
And it says the poor market conditions are far from over.
So what can be done to help improve present market conditions?
That is all I have to say on market conditions.