Vivendi turns attention to Sogecable

Shares in Sogecable, the Prisa-owned operator of the Digital+ DTH platform climbed this morning after UK press reports linked to the French media conglomerate Vivendi.

According to The Business, Vivendi has instructed its advisors to consider a €4 billion break up of the firm. Sogecable has come under pressure since Mediapro acquired the rights to 39 of Spain’s 42 professional football clubs.

Sogecable is likely to hold onto its Cuatro free-to-air channel launched following the closure of its terrestrial pay-TV channel. While Sogecable has always ruled out a sale, the death of Prisa founder Jesus de Polanco has given an opportunity for the company to reassess its position.

When Vivendi acquired Canal+ in 2000 it largely withdrew from international markets, including a partnership with Sogecable in the then Canal Satelite Digital. However, in recent weeks Vivendi has also been linked with a bid for the German Premiere.