EU says Vivendi possibly breached merger rules in Lagardere acquisition
18/07/2025 16:50
BRUSSELS, July 18 (Reuters) - The European Commission on Friday said it had sent a statement of objections to French media conglomerate Vivendi VIV.PA, which it said might have broken merger rules by implementing the acquisition of French publisher Lagardere LAGA.PA before receiving approval for the deal. The Commission two years ago opened an investigation into the possible infringement of EU merger rules, which could result in a hefty fine. It said it had now informed Vivendi of its preliminary view that the company breached the notification requirement and the ‘standstill obligation' set out in the EU Merger Regulation, as well as the conditions and obligations attached to the Commission's June 2023 decision to clear the transaction. Vivendi now has the opportunity to respond to the Commission's concerns. (Reporting by Bart Meijer) ((Bart.Meijer@thomsonreuters.com;))