Vivendi Se - VIVHY STOCK NEWS

Vivendi SE announces an employee shareholding plan aimed at deepening employee investment in the company's growth. The plan permits employees to purchase shares through a treasury stock sale, with payment from May 31 to June 20, 2022, and shares to be delivered on July 26, 2022. A total of 8 million shares are available across several countries, with a purchase price set at 85% of the average share price over the 20 days prior to May 31, 2022. The plans allow for a maximum investment capped at one-quarter of the participant's gross annual salary.

Vivendi held its Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting in Paris, achieving a quorum of 70.95%. Shareholders approved all 27 resolutions, which included the appointment of Maud Fontenoy as an independent member of the Supervisory Board and the renewal of the terms for four existing members. Additionally, a dividend of €0.25 per share was approved for fiscal year 2021, set to be distributed from April 28, 2022. Philippe Bénacin was confirmed as Vice-Chairman of the Supervisory Board following the meeting.

Vivendi reported a revenue increase of 13.4% for Q1 2022, reaching €2,377 million compared to €2,095 million in Q1 2021. This growth was driven by Canal+ Group (+€89 million) and Havas Group (+€89 million). Canal+ Group's revenues rose by 6.5%, while Havas saw a robust 11.3% increase. Editis experienced a 1.7% decline, following a record year. The public tender offer for Lagardère shares commenced on April 14, 2022, proposing a unit price of €25.50. Vivendi intends to maintain Arnaud Lagardère as CEO if the offer is successful.

Vivendi has announced its Combined General Shareholders' Meeting set for April 25, 2022, at 10:00 am in Paris. Adjustments to the meeting's organization may occur due to Covid-19 guidelines. Shareholders are urged to check the company website for updates on participation conditions. Voting can be conducted remotely via the VOTACCESS platform or through paper forms. The meeting will be live-streamed and a recording will be available later online. Relevant documents will be accessible to shareholders as required by law.

Vivendi reported a 10.4% increase in revenues for 2021, reaching €9,572 million, driven by strong performances from Canal+, Havas, and Editis. EBITA saw a remarkable 2.3-fold increase to €690 million, while adjusted net income grew 2.2-fold to €649 million. The earnings attributable to shareholders surged to €24.692 billion, primarily due to a capital gain from the deconsolidation of Universal Music Group. The company continues to support its teams in Ukraine, maintaining vigilance about the ongoing conflict's impact on operations.

Vivendi has announced its investment in Progressif Media, becoming an 8.5% shareholder alongside ZeWatchers, which holds 30%, and the founders who retain 60%. This acquisition aims to strengthen Vivendi's position in the digital communication sector, focusing on social network campaign management. Progressif Media emphasizes development and community engagement through its services. Vivendi continues its strategy to expand as a global content, media, and communications group.

Vivendi has acquired 24,685,108 shares of Lagardère from Amber Capital at €24.10 per share, increasing its total ownership to 63,693,239 shares, representing 45.13% of Lagardère's share capital. A public tender offer for all Lagardère shares will be filed in February 2022 at the same price. This acquisition aligns with Vivendi's strategy to enhance its integrated media and content assets.

Vivendi has announced the acquisition of 24,685,108 shares of Lagardère from Amber Capital, representing 17.5% of Lagardère's capital, at a price of €24.10 per share. Post-acquisition, Vivendi will hold 45.1% of Lagardère. This transaction will not involve cash transfers, as Amber Capital retains the funds as collateral. The deal is subject to regulatory approval, with Vivendi planning to file a public tender offer for the remaining shares at the same price. The acquisition also ends a previous shareholder pact between Vivendi and Amber Capital.

Vivendi, Fininvest, and Mediaset have revised their agreements from May 3, 2021, to align with Mediaset’s upcoming dual-class share structure proposal, to be decided on November 25, 2021. The revised plan permits Vivendi to gradually sell its Mediaset stake, with annual sales of 20% of its shares starting July 22, 2021, at specified minimum prices ranging from €1.375 to €1.55 over five years. Vivendi will also have voting rights for its shares to support the dual-class proposal.