Paris, December 20, 2007
Planned agreement between SFR and the Louis Dreyfus group
Vivendi confirms the planned agreement between its subsidiary SFR and the Louis Dreyfus group relating to the potential sale of the latter’s stake in Neuf Cegetel.
The transaction would represent an important step in SFR’s
strategy by:
- investing in fiber optics capacity;
- accelerating its fixed-line/mobile convergence strategy for businesses and individuals;
- integrating a growing asset.
Commenting on the transaction, Jean-Bernard Lévy, Chairman of Vivendi’s Management Board, stated: “This investment is a very attractive opportunity for Vivendi to strengthen its position and development in one of its main business sectors. The planned agreement would make it possible to merge two companies with increasingly complementary and healthy businesses and would create value for Vivendi shareholders.”
Following SFR’s purchase of Louis Dreyfus group’s stake at a share price of €34.50*, the transaction would be completed by a public offering for Neuf Cegetel at a share price of €36.50*.
SFR would finance this transaction through debt, notably with Vivendi granting a loan under market terms. To repay this loan, SFR has agreed to considerably reduce dividend payments that it would pay in the three next financial years.
This transaction would contribute to an optimization of Vivendi’s financial structure. In order to preserve its strategic and financial flexibility, Vivendi plans to raise funds of €1- €2 billion from its shareholders at the appropriate time. The potential amount of this capital increase and the precise timetable will depend on market conditions.
This transaction would be accretive for Vivendi in terms of adjusted net profit per share in 2009.
*2007 coupon attached
Important disclaimer
This press release contains forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, business, strategy and plans of Vivendi. Although Vivendi believes that such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside our control, including, but not limited to, the risks
described in the documents Vivendi filed with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (French securities regulator) and which are also available in English
on our web site (). Investors and security holders may obtain a free copy of documents filed by Vivendi with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers at www.amf-france.org, or directly from Vivendi. The present forward-looking statements are made as of the date of the present press release and Vivendi disclaims any intention or obligation to provide, update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.