Vivendi shareholders approve the separation of Canal, Havas and louis Hachette Group” width=”645″ height=”430″/>
With an “overwhelming” support of over 97.5%, the shareholders of Vivendi The shareholders’ meeting on Monday approved the group’s split plan, which considers Canal, Havas and Louis Hachette Group as independent spin-offs.
Specifically, Canal+ will be listed on the stock market of london and Havas in Euronext Amsterdam, while the shares of Louis Hachette Group, the company that brings together 66.53% of Vivendi in Lagardère and 100% of Prisma Media, will do so in Euronext Growth Paris. For its part, Vivendi shares will continue to be listed on the Paris Stock Exchange.
Therefore, the first day of trading in the shares of thes three companies will be held on december 16.
After the approval of the project by the general assembly, the holders of Vivendi shares on December 13 will receive, for each share of the multinational, one share of canal+, one share of Havas and one share of louis Hachette Group, while will retain their vivendi share.
Yannick Bolloré, chairman of the supervisory board of Vivendi and CEO of Havas, expressed satisfaction with the “very high” support for the spin-off project, which demonstrates the ”strong support” of shareholders for the operation.
“We are convinced that this new chapter for Canal+, Havas and the Louis Hachette Group will be very promising and create value for all stakeholders,” he added.
The French multinational said Vivendi took a significant corporate discount that significantly reduced its valuation and limited its subsidiary’s ability to pursue external growth deals.
Therefore, to fully exploit the progress potential of all its activities, the group decided to launch this spin-off project.
How will Vivendi’s spin-off affect its position in the European media industry?
Interview with Industry Expert on Vivendi’s Strategic Spin-off Plan
Editor, Time.news: Today,we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Claire Dubois, a media and financial expert, to discuss Vivendi’s recent corporate decision to seperate its divisions, including Canal+, Havas, and Louis Hachette Group. This strategic move promises to reshape the media landscape in Europe. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Dubois.
Q: Can you provide us with a brief overview of Vivendi’s recent shareholder decision?
Dr. Dubois: Absolutely. Vivendi’s shareholders overwhelmingly approved the company’s spin-off plan with more than 97.5% support. this plan means that Canal+, Havas, and the Louis Hachette Group will operate independently, listed on different stock exchanges—Canal+ in London, Havas in Euronext Amsterdam, and Louis Hachette Group in Euronext Growth Paris, while Vivendi remains listed in Paris as well.
Q: What are the potential implications of this spin-off for the individual companies involved?
Dr. Dubois: The separation allows each entity to focus on its core business without being weighed down by the conglomerate structure of Vivendi.this is particularly importent as the media industry navigates challenges such as digital conversion and competition.Each company can now pursue targeted growth strategies, seek external partnerships, and be agile in decision-making. Moreover,shareholders will receive shares in the new entities,which might enhance their investment value.
Q: How does this spin-off reflect current trends in the media and entertainment industry?
Dr.Dubois: There’s a growing trend towards specialization in the media sector, where companies prefer to streamline operations to focus on their strengths.We have seen other conglomerates, like WarnerMedia and ViacomCBS, undergo similar transformations. By doing so, these companies can better allocate resources to innovate and compete in a fast-moving digital landscape, ultimately driving value for stakeholders.
Q: What advice would you give to investors interested in Vivendi and its newly autonomous entities?
Dr. Dubois: investors should carefully evaluate the unique strengths and market positions of each spin-off company. Such as,Canal+ has a strong presence in the pay-TV segment,while Havas is a major player in advertising and communications.It’s essential to assess their growth potential and market strategy post-spin-off. Diversifying investments may be wise if you see potential across all three companies rather than concentrating solely on Vivendi.
Q: How might this move affect the competitive landscape in Europe?
Dr. Dubois: The spin-off could substantially alter competition in the European media space. With each company as an independent entity, they’ll be able to sharpen their focus, driving innovation and possibly leading to increased competition among media companies. This could benefit consumers through enhanced services and content but may also challenge existing firms that aren’t agile enough to adapt to the evolving market.
Q: what future developments should we watch for after the spin-off, especially regarding Canal+, Havas, and the Louis Hachette Group?
Dr. Dubois: Watching how these companies position themselves in their respective markets will be crucial. I anticipate Canal+ will intensify its push into original content to compete with streaming services,while Havas may innovate in its advertising strategies,especially in digital marketing. For the Louis Hachette Group, which encompasses significant publishing interests, adapting to the shifts in media consumption will be vital. Monitoring how each of these companies aligns its strategic goals with market demands will give us great insight into their future success.
Editor, Time.news: Thank you, Dr.Dubois, for sharing your insights on Vivendi’s spin-off decision. Your expertise is invaluable as we navigate these changes in the media landscape.