French president Nicholas Sarkozy will be accompanied by 40 key French business chief executives during his visit to SA, director general in the department of foreign affairs, Gert Grobler, said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the union buildings two days ahead of Sarkozy's arrival for an official state visit to the country, Grobler said SA was looking forward to the visit, describing the co-operation of the two countries on a variety of issues as "excellent."

Sarkozy who arrives on Thursday will meet with president Thabo Mbeki and also address a joint sitting of parliament.

The two presidents will on Friday oversee a meeting of the SA-France joint business forum where improved economic co-operation will be discussed by business leaders of the two countries.

Sarkozy will also fly to Johannesburg on Friday where he will meet with former president Nelson Mandela. South African officials said he would stay on in the country for a private part of his visit and did not want to give any details of his personal plans.

Grobler said Sarkozy would be accompanied by his new wife, former supermodel, Carla Bruni.