A deal that would see Vivendi secure control of the Mediaset Premium pay-TV unit appears to be imminent.
Quoting Le Monde, Reuters reports that it would be “absolutely friendly”, with Vivendi buying 3.5% of Mediaset and allowing Mediaset to also buy a stake in Vivendi.
Furthermore, the acquisition of Mediaset Premium in cash or shares remains an option.
Meanwhile, Bloomberg reports that a deal between the two parties could be announced as soon as early this week.
Its adds that given Vivendi’s value is around six times that of Mediaset, the stake sales to each other, of under 5%, could be compensation by the sale of a majority stake in the pay-TV business.
Telefónica acquired an 11% stake in Mediaset Premium in 2014, giving the company an equity vale of around €900 million.