joehlindsay Jun 17, 2009:

operating subsidiary A translator friend I mentioned this to just sent me another translation he found in an online dictionary:

exploitation directe operating subsidiary

I'll post this as an answer.

joehlindsay Jun 17, 2009:

I've found something I think might be useful on the Accor hotels website where 'exploitation directe' is translated for their English site:

"L'équilibre de son parc hôtelier est un atout essentiel dans les phases de croissance comme dans les périodes difficiles : éventail de marques adaptées à chaque segment de marché, présence internationale correspondant à la demande mondiale, prédominance des ** modes d'exploitation directe**.

"Its balanced hotel portfolio is a major asset through growth phases and hard times alike with a range of brands targeting each market segment, international coverage to match worldwide demand, and a preference for ** direct management**."

This means of course, that the company manages the hotel themselves and not through a hotel management company as is common, or perhaps through a franchisee.

It looks like Eutychus hit the nail on the head.

joehlindsay Jun 17, 2009:

I'm not sure. I've seen this in company registrations, etc. over the years and never stopped to think exactly what it means. It's something I should know and would like to know. I'll see if I can research it further and get back to you.

Vicky James (asker) Jun 16, 2009:

Thanks joehlindsay Do you think this line of thinking would still work for a "mode d'exploitation" that was "non exploitant" etc? (see Lori's refs).

joehlindsay Jun 16, 2009:

I think Michèle Voyer, Mattew LaSon and Eutychus are on the right track here. Without more context, which doesn't seem to exist, I would guess that they mean a subsidiary or branch of a company managed directly from headquarters, and not set up independently to function autonomously, or through a franchise, or set up as a separate company whose shares may be traded and may be only partly owned or controlled by the parent company.

I think the term 'wholly owned subsidiary' might possibly have some application here, but I'm not sure enough to post it as an answer.