In economic news, the Canal+ group made its debut on the London Stock Exchange, with 26 million subscribers worldwide, more than a third of which on the African continent. This entry into the financial markets is the result of a long-term political and financial maneuver by its owner, Vincent Bolloré.
1 minute
Vincent Bolloré adopted the ancient motto “ divide and conquer “. Seven years after taking control of the media and communications group Vivendithe businessman split it into four distinct entities: Hachette for publishing, Havas for communications and therefore Canal + separated from what remained of the parent company. Objective for the majority shareholder: better valorize the whole.
The Vivendi group weighed a little over 10 billion euros on the Paris market, Bolloré hopes that the sum of the four daughters of Vivendi will exceed 15 billion euros.
Also readBolloré, soon sole master on board Lagardère
A strategic distribution on European markets
The ultra-conservative businessman chose four different financial centers. Canal+ will thus remain a French company, but will be listed in London. A stratagem which allows it to escape both certain European regulations and to benefit from a special status in United Kingdom. Hachette remains in Paris while Havas becomes a Dutch company listed in Amsterdam.
For Canal+, the challenge remains significant, with competition from major American platforms, the future of the group could be played out on the African continent. The takeover of the group South African MultiChoice which must still be validated by the regulator, could further establish its foothold on the continent.
Also listenCanal+ celebrates its 40th anniversary and confirms its ambitions for international conquest