In November 1998, their holdings were floated on the Cairo Stock Exchange with Rami owning 38% and Michel 31%.

In August 2001, a court verdict in Egypt ruled that he could not be a member of the Egyptian Parliament due to his dual nationality.

On February 2, 2006, France-Soir published the Muhammad cartoons that caused a lot of havoc and anger among Muslims around the world.

[1] Le Monde reported that Lakah issued a statement saying he fired Lefranc as president and director of the newspaper in "a strong sign of respect to the intimate convictions and beliefs of each individual."

The statement continued, "We present our regrets to the Muslim community and to all people who have been shocked or made indignant by this publication."