Bollore Group looks to take majority control in Havas Group

The Bollore group has put out an offer to take majority stake in Havas.As stated in the offer, the Bollore Group has proposed a share swap. This will allow the minority share holders currently in Havas to receive nine units of Bolloré Group shares for five units of Havas’ shares they hold.In a press statement, global CEO of Havas and Havas Worldwide Yannick Bollore said: "The Bolloré Group has been a historical shareholder of Havas for more than 10 years. It currently holds 36.2 % of Havas' shares. This offer is a step further in the ongoing relationship already existing between the two groups. By strengthening its capital position through this public offer, the Bolloré Group underlines its will to pursue its long-term commitment to Havas."He described the transaction offer as “friendly” and added that the rationale of the transaction is to strengthen Bolloré’s ownership in Havas. In a press statement, he also said the offer highlights the confidence of Bollore in Havas’ strategy as an independent group among the world leading communication players and the willingness to support Havas’ expansion.The offer is jointly initiated by Bollore and its subsidiaries Compagnie du Cambodge and Société.Globally there has also been speculation that Havas Group would be snapped up by French media and entertainment group Vivendi where Vincent Ballore is currently chairman. However Yannick Bollore, who took on the role of global CEO of Havas and Havas Worldwide earlier this year has denied such claims.