Bolloré Too Busy for Sixth Aegis Bid

French financier and Havas Chairman Vincent Bolloré has said he is unlikely to make a sixth attempt to obtain two seats on the Board of Synovate parent Aegis this year.

Bolloré, who last month failed for a fifth time to gain Board representation in a vote at Aegis' annual general meeting, made the comment at a press conference at the Cannes International Advertising Festival today.

According to Reuters, Bolloré said that there was a problem of timing with calling another vote for Aegis Board representation, explaining that he is currently involved with other projects such as gaining full control of French market research firm CSA, owning a radio station and a second digital terrestrial TV channel in France, and launching an electric car.

'My people are happy now and busy with that. I suppose we will not ask for a new vote this year. We are not in a hurry,' he stated.

He also said that the improved performance of Havas meant there was no urgent need to reach a deal with Aegis.

'Look at the figures. We don't need Aegis, we would be better with them but also Aegis don't need us. We are long-term investors,' he added.

Bolloré currently holds a 29.9% stake in Aegis. Web sites: www.aegisplc.com and www.csa-tmo.fr .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

• All news