Vivendi: EU accuses group of taking control of Lagardère too early

The European Commission accused the French group Vivendi on Friday, July 18, of having violated EU competition rules by taking control of the Lagardère group too early, "allegations" immediately contested by Vivendi.

The European Union believes that Vincent Bolloré's group exercised "decisive" editorial influence over several Lagardère media outlets before the takeover was notified to Brussels on October 24, 2022.

According to the European Commission's investigation, Vivendi "closely" monitored and regularly intervened in strategic decisions concerning the editorial line, as well as the covers and articles of the Lagardère group's magazines and newspapers , Paris Match and the Journal du Dimanche , as well as Europe 1 radio.

Brussels also criticises Vivendi for its intervention in decisions relating to the dismissal and recruitment of journalists for these two publications and for Europe 1.

A "statement of objections" was therefore sent to the French group, the first step in a procedure at the end of which Brussels could impose a fine on Vivendi of up to 10% of its total turnover.

The group, which "contests the European Commission's allegations" , indicated on Friday that it would respond "in a reasoned manner in order to obtain its acquittal and the closure of the investigation" .

The Commission's communication "only marks the opening of the adversarial phase of the procedure" and "does not establish the existence of an infringement at this stage and does not impose a sanction" , Vivendi emphasizes.

The European Commission announced at the end of July 2023 the opening of a formal investigation, already suspecting an anticipated takeover in violation of EU rules.

On June 9, 2023, Brussels had, however, authorized Vivendi to absorb its former rival, on condition that it sells its publishing subsidiary and the magazine Gala .

The possible infringement therefore does not concern the operation itself, but the conditions under which it was carried out, without taking into account the deadlines imposed by the EU.

The Lagardère group was absorbed in November 2023 by Vivendi, Vincent Bolloré's group. It is now part of Louis Hachette Group, created at the end of 2024 from the split of Vivendi .