Bollore Keeps Pushing Aegis Stake Up

Vincent Bollore continues to raise his presence in media and communications group Aegis, with the latest reports showing the French entrepreneur having increased his stake to 20.48%.

Bollore purchased 3 million shares at around 125 pence, pushing his hold in the company up from the 20.22% announced yesterday (see Aegis Appoints New CEO As Bollore Passes 20% Share).

The latest move sees Bollore buy the shares through Financiere Du Loch, continuing his recent trend.

Several other firms are thought to be interested in Aegis. Earlier this month, WPP confirmed it is considering a bid for the company’s research arm Synovate.

Last week saw Publicis announce that it would not pursue a bid for Aegis, ending its interest in the firm which started speculation over a sale last month (see Publicis Backs Down From Aegis Take-Over).

So far Bollore has denied take-over rumours, with Havas distancing itself from speculation over its chairman’s intentions towards Aegis.

Despite this, Robert Lerwill, chief executive officer of Aegis said there is a “certain logic” to a partnership in media with Havas.

Aegis Group: 020 7070 7700 www.aegisplc.com