the European Commission is investigating a “possible early takeover”

The European Commission announced on Tuesday, July 25, the opening of a formal investigation into a possible early takeover of Lagardère by Vivendi, which would contravene European Union rules.

On June 9, the Commission had authorized Vivendi, the group of billionaire Vincent Bolloré, to absorb its former rival Lagardère, on several conditions: give away the magazine Gala as well as its publishing activities which are Editis and its entities (Robert Laffont, Nathan, Le Robert, Pocket, etc.). These commitments “fully address the competition concerns identified by the Commission” in its investigation, had judged the European executive. If it turns out that the operation was implemented before this green light, Brussels could impose a fine on Vivendi of up to 10% of its total turnover.

The NGO Reporters Without Borders (RSF) had called for such an investigation. “Given the many signals attesting to Vincent Bolloré’s growing influence on the Lagardère group’s media even before the validation of the takeover, it is surprising that an investigation for an early takeover was not launched sooner”said RSF Secretary General Christophe Deloire at the time, pointing “the significant changes that have taken place, particularly in the wording of the Sunday newspaper and even more meaningfully to Paris Match“.