Expatica news

Lagardere and Vivendi talk tie-up options

PARIS, Jan 13 (AFP) – EADS co-chairman Philippe Camus said Thursday that the French groups Lagardere and Vivendi Universal were discussing options for a tie-up, but added that a full merger was unlikely.

“A partnership, maybe, but not a merger,” he told journalists.

After Camus leaves his post at the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company later this year he is expected to take charge of Lagardere’s media operations in North America.

Lagardere chief executive Arnaud Lagardere said in September he was open to all options concerning the restructuring of television assets held jointly with Vivendi, adding that talks with Vivendi have been going on for some time.

Lagardere’s comments followed an announcement by Vivendi that it plans to consolidate and simplify its equity holdings in several television businesses, which could see the company swap its 34 percent stake in CanalSatellite for a minority stake in Vivendi’s Canal Plus Group.

© AFP

Subject: French News