 He was born in the French Ardèche region from a modest, goat raising family.In 1962, he was chosen by his uncle François André, who had no direct descendants, to succeed him as head of several successful companies specializing in the operation of casinos and luxury hotels.The casinos of Deauville, Cannes and La Baule and the hotels Normandy Barriere, Royal Barriere and the Hotel du Golf Barriere de Deauville were among the best known assets of the company.