French government will fend off hostile takeovers: PM

"Let's not be naive, we won't hesitate to stand up if French champions come under threat, especially in case of a takeover threat," Philippe told a meeting of the National Industry Council in the northern Paris suburb of Bobigny.

"This vigilance is not only for the defense and security sectors, it's for all sectors, including agro-food and cosmetics," he added.

French food group Danone was the subject of takeover speculation following a report in August in the New York Post that it could be a takeover target.

In September, the death of billionaire Liliane Bettencourt raised questions about how L'Oreal's founding family and major shareholder Nestle would manage their stakes in the world's biggest cosmetics firm.

(Reporting by Jean-Baptiste Vey; writing by Leigh Thomas; Editing by Brian Love)