(Boursier.com) — Vivendi is delighted to have finalized, on November 21, its merger with the group Lagardère. This operation gives it a whole new dimension by consolidating its positions as a major player in culture, media and entertainment, and by becoming a world leader in publishing, travel retail and experiences. It also allows the Lagardère group to benefit from the support of a stable, long-term shareholder base, to support it in its development projects.
This merger is effective following the finalization of the two transfers to which Vivendi committed to the European Commission, namely that of 100% of the capital of Editis to International Media Invest (IMI), which took place on November 14, and that of Gala magazine (which was owned by Prisma Media) at the Figaro Group finalized today.
Vivendi currently holds approximately 60% of the capital of Lagardère and can now fully exercise just over 50% of the voting rights.
Thanks to this merger, Vivendi acquires a significantly larger size, with a combined pro forma 2022 turnover of more than 16.5 billion euros. The workforce of all the Group’s companies includes approximately 66,000 employees present on all continents.
Remember that Lagardère is part of Vivendi’s internationalization strategy. It is present in more than 40 countries and 75% of its turnover is generated outside France. Lagardère has recognized brands and values common to those of Vivendi. Lagardère has two main businesses. On the one hand, ‘Lagardère Publishing’ is the 3rd publisher of general public and educational books in the world, number one in France and number two in Great Britain. On the other hand, ‘Lagardère Travel Retail’ is a major international operator of commerce in transport zones, the world number one in the ‘travel essentials’ segment and 2nd world operator in airports. The Lagardère group also includes the press professions with Lagardère News and its iconic brands, as well as those in live entertainment with the Lagardère Live Entertainment division.
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