French media conglomerate Vivendi has revealed more details of its plan to split up its business, which includes listing Canal+ in London and the Havas advertising business on the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange.
Vivendi announced it was carrying out a feasibility study into splitting up its business in December 2023, noting that it was suffering a high conglomerate discount which was substantially reducing its valuation.
In an update on the feasibility study published this week, Vivendi said Canal+ would be listed on the London Stock Exchange to reflect the company’s international dimension. Canal+ now has up to two-thirds of its subscribers outside of France as well as a global film and TV series distribution network. It added that Canal+ would remain a company incorporated and taxed in France.
Havas, with the majority of its activities being carried out internationally, would be listed as a Dutch public limited liability company (NV) on the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange.
A newly named company, Louis Hachette Group, would bring together the assets owned by Vivendi in publishing and distribution, including the group’s 63.5% shareholding in Lagardère SA and 100% of Prisma Media. This company would be listed on Euronext Growth in Paris.
Paris-listed Vivendi will become a listed investment holding company, managing a 10% stake in Universal Music Group the world’s biggest music label, which it also spun-off three years ago. Vivendi would also continue to develop games company Gameloft.
You are not signed in
Only registered users can comment on this article.
Ofcom unveils draft code for streaming regulation
UK media regulator Ofcom has set out its plans to level the regulatory playing field between streaming platforms and traditional broadcasters, so viewers receive similar content protections.
Hybrid AI VFX creative studio The Next Valley launches
AI production and tech firm nmatic.ai and VFX collective Alibi Studios have launched The Next Valley, billed as one of the world’s first studios dedicated to combining AI tools with traditional VFX production for film, advertising, and broadcast content.
ITV remains in ‘active discussions’ with Sky over sale
Sky and ITV are reportedly close to an acquisition deal that would see the telecoms operator take over the UK’s most-watched free-to-air PSB.
France Télévisions predicts job cuts before 2027
Stéphane Sitbon-Gomez, Deputy General Manager of France Télévisions, has reportedly said that layoffs may be on the table for the PSB’s staff as a result of budget constraints, anytime between May 2026 and the French presidential elections in 2027.
.jpg)
CEO of ITN to be replaced “immediately”
Rachel Corp has stepped down after nearly four years as CEO of ITN with immediate effect. She will be succeeded by Ian Rumsey.
