https://phys.org/news/2019-01-france-japan-renault-nissan-merger.html

A delegation including Martin Vial—a Renault director designated by the French government—made the merger request at talks with Japanese officials in Tokyo, Kyodo News reported, citing sources close to the matter.

The French government is the biggest shareholder in Renault with a stake of more than 15 percent, while Renault owns 43.4 percent of the Japanese carmaker Nissan with voting rights.