Vivendi takes relaxed stance over French merger

摘要

Vivendi Universal is confident that the merger between its Canal Plus pay-television business and rival Television Par Satellite will not fall foul of French competition authorities. On December 16 last year, the parties concerned — Vivendi, Canal Plus, TF1 and M6 announced plans to create a ?7.5 billion (£5.15 billion) Gallic pay-television giant with 7.5 million subscribers across satellite, cable, DSL and terrestrial (analogue and digital) television. Given the size and scope of the merger, and the fact that neither business is losing money or in danger of going out of business, tough regulatory conditions might be expected.