Vivendi is to buy the 60 per cent stake currently held in Havas by the Bolloré Group at a price of €9.25 per share.
It follows what Vivendi is describing as the “receipt of positive opinions” from employee representatives from all three companies.
Bolloré Group is the vehicle of Vivendi chairman Vincent Bolloré.
“This acquisition marks a major milestone in our drive to build a global leader in content, media and communication. It gives our Group a unique positioning and a major advantage in an environment marked by the ever-increasing convergence between content, distribution and communication,”” said Arnaud de Puyfontaine, CEO of Vivendi, 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.”
Completion of the transaction is subject to the approval of the relevant competition authorities.
