According to the French bi-monthly media publication Presse News, Le Monde has plans to launch a new free financial daily in partnership with Philippe Micouleau, former President of financial daily Agefi.

If all goes to planned it is estimated that the new paper will appear in the autumn of 2006. The paper will have a tabloid format and will target young professionals in urban areas. It will begin with a 200 000 copy distribution in Paris.

Le Monde is also holding discussions with publisher Hachette concerning a project for another free daily in Paris, to be entitled Paris Plus. (see previous posting)

Le Monde is expected to its advertising and production departments behind the project and to be heavily involved with editorial and content of the new paper.

Source: Le Nouvel Observateur (through the IFRA newsletter)