Life of Mandriva, famous for its Linux distribution of the same name, has not been smooth sailing since its inception in the late 1990s. Declared insolvent in 2003, the French publisher has benefited, in 2004, a business continuation plan. If the company has stepped forward for development in recent years (merger with Conectiva, Lycoris and redemption Linbox), it is today very difficult hours.

The liquidation or redemption (the names Linagora and Light App circulated on the Mandriva forums) will not occur. A press release was issued on 7 July to explain that the former Mandrakesoft will implement a restructuring and revival of activity, “with a view to avoiding bankruptcy.” The word is out.

In the short term, the company (1), which employs 75 people, will conduct a “drastic program” to reduce its structural costs, “to bring balance to the company,” said Jean-Noel Galzain, new director of Mandriva , President of IF Research, parent company of the publisher Wallix. It says he was approached by the management team of Mandriva to “help them get out of this mess.”

Fundraising
According to the latter, Mandriva is currently also negotiating a fundraiser with new shareholders, which we do not know the identity for the moment. “All these elements will be presented at the next meeting in September,” said Jean- Christmas Galzain, who makes no secret of wanting to be sworn in Mandriva to run. “The priority is to reassure the market, creditors, to revitalize the company with a worldwide reputation.”

In the longer term, Mandriva should refocus on its core business of software publisher. Exit, in principle, certain activities in services! The paid version of its Linux distribution should only be available from resellers and integrators, and through OEM agreements in Europe, the Middle East, Brazil, Russia, India … Products fleet management computer and identities (from the takeover of Linbox) will form the basis for an offer professional sectorized (education, industry, services …).