The French government has set the timetable for the partial privatisation of two of the country's largest toll motorway operators. It will take no lump sum from the flotations, but anticipates collecting €39bn ($47bn) in dividends over the next 30 years.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the finance ministry said it would float Société des Autoroutes Paris Rhin Rhône (SAPRR) after the summer and Société des Autoroutes du Nord et de l'Est de la France (Sanef) in the first half of next year.