Vivendi SA, a prominent French Media Group, is considering a strategic restructure that would divide the company into four separate entities. Each of these would be independently listed on the stock market.
The company's board of directors has given their consent to the proposed restructure which would include Canal+, Havas, a book publishing and distribution entity, and an investment firm.
Canal+ Group, boasting a substantial subscriber base of over 25 million across nearly 50 countries, has recently expanded by acquiring M7 and SPI. It now holds significant shares in related businesses such as MultiChoice, Viu, and Viaplay.
Havas, another prospective separate entity, currently employs more than 23,000 individuals across over 100 countries.
To further diversity its portfolio, Vivendi intends to set up a new publishing and distribution entity comprising its stake in Lagardère and wholly-owned Prisma Media. Lagardère ranks as the third-largest publisher of public and educational market books, and also focuses on travel, press, and live entertainment. Prisma Media leads in French magazine publications and online media, possessing a diverse collection of about 30 brands.
Finally, an investment firm would manage both listed and unlisted financial interests in the cultural, media, and entertainment sectors.
This strategic division is expected to offer greater financial flexibility and concentrate human resources for each of the four separately listed companies, boosting their overall development.
Vivendi will present a further update on this strategic plan at the Supervisory Board meeting on March 7, 2024.
