French entrepreneur, Vincent Bollore has bought a further 2.9 million shares in media and communications company, Aegis, taking Group Bollore’s total interest in the business to 25.47%.
According to a report in this mornings
Times, Bollore also acquired an extra 0.35% in French advertising group, Havas.
Since September Bollore has steadily been increasing his share in Aegis, fuelling industry speculation of a possible merger between the UK media company and Havas, of which he is chairman and main shareholder (see Bollore Raises Aegis Stake To Over 25%).
However, Robert Lerwill, chief executive of Aegis recently denied rumours about a merger saying the company is not holding talks with Bollore in regards to a possible partnership between the businesses (see Lerwill Denies Possible Havas Merger).
Separately, Bollore has stated that his interest in Aegis is a purely financial one, rather than a strategic holding. “Maybe Aegis will be a long-term shareholding one day,” the media boss said in November, “but for the moment it is a financial one (see Bollore Surpasses 20% Share In Aegis).
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