Further to cybermuda and Fumar's points:
In one of my "past lives", I worked (in the U.S.) for a division of company that was headquartered in France. The organization had a presence throughout Europe, primarily, as well as in the Americas. Whenever there was a business meeting that involved those from any one of a number of places around the globe, guess what the dictated language of use was? English. Everyone in the entire company was expected to speak it fluently.....and everyone I ever came in contact with in the company absolutely did.
Bill
