Vivendi Becomes Global Leader in Publishing and Travel Retail with Lagardère Merger

Vivendi Becomes Global Leader in Publishing and Travel Retail with Lagardère Merger

(IN BRIEF) Vivendi has successfully completed a major transaction with the Lagardère group, solidifying its position as a global leader in culture, media, and entertainment. This strategic move enhances Vivendi’s presence in publishing, travel retail, and experiences, while also providing stability and support to the Lagardère group. The partnership encompasses Lagardère’s diverse businesses, including publishing, travel retail, press, and live entertainment. Vivendi’s pro forma revenues for 2022 now exceed €16.5 billion, and this development reinforces their shared commitment to transformation, internationalization, and integration. Vivendi currently holds approximately 60% of Lagardère’s share capital and over 50% of its voting rights.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 21-Nov-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — Vivendi (EPA: VIV), a French media conglomerate, is pleased to announce the successful closure of its transformative transaction with the Lagardère group. This milestone strengthens Vivendi’s prominent position in the cultural and media sectors, propelling it into a leadership role in publishing, travel retail, and experiences on a global scale. For the Lagardère group, this partnership provides valuable support from a stable and long-term shareholder to facilitate its ongoing development projects.

The completion of this transaction follows Vivendi’s fulfillment of two commitments made to the European Commission: the sale of 100% of Editis’ share capital to International Media Invest (IMI) on November 14, 2023, and the sale of Gala magazine (previously owned by Prisma Media) to Groupe Figaro, which concluded today.

Lagardère Group is an international powerhouse that aligns seamlessly with Vivendi’s global strategy. Operating in over 40 countries, with 75% of its revenues generated outside France, Lagardère boasts a rich history, renowned brands, and shared values with Vivendi, emphasizing innovation and creativity across all facets of its operations.

Lagardère Group encompasses two primary businesses: Lagardère Publishing, the world’s third-largest book publisher for general and educational markets and the leading publisher in France and second-largest in Great Britain. Lagardère Travel Retail, a premier global travel retailer, ranks first worldwide in travel essentials and second in airports. The group also includes press activities through Lagardère News and its iconic brands, along with Lagardère Live Entertainment.

As a result of this transaction, Vivendi significantly expands its scale, reporting combined pro forma revenues exceeding €16.5 billion for 2022. The collective workforce of Vivendi’s subsidiary companies totals approximately 66,000 employees, spanning across all continents¹.

Yannick Bolloré, Chairman of Vivendi’s Supervisory Board, and Arnaud de Puyfontaine, Chief Executive Officer, expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership. They noted, “We are extremely proud to welcome Lagardère into our group. Their remarkable performances attest to the excellence and commitment of all the teams led by Arnaud Lagardère.

“This transaction is an opportunity for both our two groups. The alliance of our expertise is a new step in our strategic ambition for transformation, internationalization and integration, propelling us into the future. Our activities, both in terms of product portfolio and geographical presence, are perfectly complementary.

“As we do for all our businesses, while preserving its integrity, we will support Lagardère in its development and the transformation of its businesses. Together, we will strengthen our international presence in the fields of creation, content and distribution.

“We are delighted to start a fruitful collaboration, bringing all our activities to new heights.”

Vivendi currently holds approximately 60% of Lagardère’s share capital and can now fully exercise slightly over 50% of its voting rights.

¹Based on the Vivendi and Lagardère figures for 2022.

About Vivendi

Since 2014, Vivendi has been building a world-class content, media and communications group. Canal+ Group is a major player in the creation and distribution of cinema and audiovisual content on all continents. Havas is one of the largest global communications groups with a presence in more than 100 countries. With Lagardère, Vivendi is the world’s third-largest book publisher for the general public and educational markets, and a leading global player in travel retail. Vivendi is also active in the magazine business (Prisma Media), video games (Gameloft) and live entertainment and ticketing (Vivendi Village). It also owns a global digital content distribution platform (Dailymotion) and a subsidiary dedicated to providing very high-speed Internet access in Africa (GVA). Vivendi’s various activities work closely together as an integrated group committed to transforming its businesses to meet the expectations of the public and anticipate constant changes. As a committed group, Vivendi contributes to building more open, inclusive, and responsible societies by supporting diverse and inventive creative works, promoting broader access to culture, education, and its industries, and increasing awareness of 21st century challenges and opportunities.

Media contact:

Jean-Louis ERNEUX
Vice President, Press Relations and New Media
jean-louis.erneux@vivendi.com
+33 1 71 71 15 84

Solange MAULINI
Director, Press and Shareholders Relations
solange.maulini@vivendi.com
+33 1 71 71 11 73

SOURCE: VIVENDI