Bollore Increases Presence In Aegis

French entrepreneur Vincent Bollore, has bought a further 1.26 million shares in UK media company Aegis, taking Groupe Bollore’s total interest to 26.03%.

The move continues to fuel industry speculation that Bollore is planning a take-over bid of Aegis, with the Havas chief executive, recently saying that “all options are open.”

Bollore has steadily increased his stake in the company since the beginning of the year, fuelling industry speculation of a possible merger between the UK media company and Havas.

Many city analysts expect Bollore, who now is the largest shareholder in both Aegis and Havas, will orchestrate a move to join the two company’s, despite Havas’s claims that Bollore’s actions “not be taken as having any bearing on the question of whether or not Havas might participate at any time in any offer for Aegis in any capacity.

Aegis Group: 020 7070 7700 www.aegisplc.com