Bollore Set To Increase Aegis Share Further

Reports over the weekend claim French entrepreneur and chairman of Havas, Vincent Bollore, is preparing to increase his stake in British media firm Aegis to nearly 20%, adding further credence to rumours that his Groupe Bollore will soon make an offer for purchase of the company.

Bollore has been steadily increasing his stake in Aegis for the past two weeks, most recently upping his share to 14.06% on Friday. A report in yesterday’s Sunday Times claimed that the media boss will soon move to thwart a takeover bid for the company by rival Publicis, or seek a merger.

The French businessman has described his asset building as purely “financial,” rather than as a run up to any potential takeover. However, speculation continues to mount over the future of Aegis following the company’s confirmation last week that several bidders are now in talks for control of the company (see Aegis Confirms Rival Bids For Takeover).

Last week also saw Havas distance itself from Bollore’s actions, with a statement made to the city clarifying that Bollore’s actions were being taken purely in his capacity as chairman of Groupe Bollore, and not as chairman of Havas (see Havas Distanced From Bollore/Aegis Rumours).

However, in an interview with French financial daily l’Agefi today Bollore states that his firm will not demand a seat on the Aegis board as a result of its increased stake, and that a further rise in share would depend entirely upon share price and his own company’s requirements.

Aegis Group: 020 7070 7700 www.aegisplc.com