Vivendi Confirms Havas Acquisition

Paris-based mass media conglomerate Vivendi has entered into an official agreement to buy Bolloré Group's c.60% majority stake in multinational marcoms group Havas, at a price of EUR 9.25 per share.

First reported last month, the deal will see Havas and Bolloré Group Chairman Vincent Bolloré sell his EUR 2.36 billion stake in data-driven Havas. This agreement by Vivendi's Management Board follows positive feedback from the employee representative bodies of Vivendi, Havas and the Bolloré Group, and the completion of the due diligence process. However, completion of the transaction is still subject to the approval of the competition authorities.

Arnaud de Puyfontaine (pictured), Vivendi CEO, commented: 'Havas brings its expertise in consumer science, data analytics and new creative formats to the entire Vivendi group. Most importantly, our two companies have gotten to know one another well and our teams enjoy working together, essential keys to success in the creative and innovative industries, which rely on a wealth of talent'.

Web sites: www.vivendi.com and www.havas.com .