Bolloré 'Lining Up Aegis Bid'

GfK and venture capital group Apax Partners could be possible buyers for Synovate, while Havas Chairman Vincent Bolloré nets the remainder of Aegis, according to reports in the UK press.

Two unnamed sources said to be close to Bolloré told the FT.com service dealReporter (www.dealreporter.com ) that the French financier is thought to have been lining up a 90p-a-share bid for the media group. Bolloré, the largest shareholder in Aegis with a fraction under 30%, could make a decision in 6 to 8 weeks, the source said.

Reports the previous weekend suggested that Aegis had hired investment bank Merrill Lynch to advise on a restructuring and possible sale of Synovate - a move which would require the approval of Bolloré. Aegis has declined to comment.

Of the possible sale, a GfK spokesman quoted in the FT said: 'If Synovate comes up for sale we will take a look. We have authorised capital to spend and a debt structure that would enable us to raise further capital.'

The possibility of a break-up and/or sale of Aegis has grown since the departure of CEO Robert Lerwill in November.

Web sites: www.synovate.com and www.gfk.com .

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

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