
Vivendi is a multinational media and content group with a complex structure. It has several subsidiaries that operate in various sectors such as music, film, and television production.
Universal Music Group is one of Vivendi's most notable subsidiaries, with a vast catalog of music and a presence in over 50 countries.
Vivendi's subsidiaries also include Canal+, a leading pay-TV operator in France and Africa, and Dailymotion, a video-sharing platform that was acquired by Vivendi in 2015.
The group's film and television production activities are carried out by subsidiaries such as StudioCanal and Canal+, which produce and distribute content for various platforms.
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Financial Performance
Vivendi's financial performance is a key aspect of its overall success. The company's revenue has been steadily increasing over the years, with a notable surge in 2018.
In 2018, Vivendi's revenue reached €25.5 billion, a 12% increase from the previous year. This growth can be attributed to the company's strategic acquisitions and investments in various sectors.
The company's operating profit also saw a significant improvement, rising to €3.4 billion in 2018. This increase in profitability is a testament to Vivendi's ability to efficiently manage its resources and optimize its operations.
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Current Developments

Vivendi's takeover plans are making waves in the media industry. Vivendi plans to acquire a majority stake in Lagardère, the largest purely European media group is being created.
This move would see Vivendi combine its French competitor Lagardère with its associated publishing houses, broadcasters, and magazines. The acquisition would create the third-largest publisher worldwide.
Regulators are keeping a close eye on the deal, which is considered "unimaginable" and "dangerous" by rivals. A booksellers' association warns of a "financial and marketing bulldozer" that would limit "book diversity" in France.
Vivendi has publicly acknowledged the need for measures to address competition concerns. The company is working on a package of measures, including the sale of certain "assets", to gain regulatory approval.
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Sales by Activity
Vivendi's sales by activity tell a fascinating story of growth and diversification. The company's revenue streams are diverse, with various segments contributing to its overall performance.
Gameloft, a leading mobile game developer, has been a significant contributor to Vivendi's sales. In 2020, Gameloft generated $253 million in sales, which increased to $265 million in 2021 and $321 million in 2022.

Other segments, such as Other, have shown promise, with $4 million in sales generated in 2024. However, this segment has been relatively quiet in previous years.
Vivendi Village has experienced significant growth, with sales increasing from $40 million in 2020 to $238 million in 2022. However, sales declined to $180 million in 2023.
Universal Music Group, one of the largest music companies in the world, has generated massive sales for Vivendi. In 2020, the segment generated $7.43 billion in sales.
Here's a breakdown of Vivendi's sales by activity:
Lagardère has also contributed to Vivendi's sales, with $670 million generated in 2023. Prisma Media has shown steady growth, with sales increasing from $194 million in 2021 to $320 million in 2022.
Sales by Geography
Let's take a closer look at the geographical breakdown of VIVENDI's sales.
The Americas region saw a significant decline in sales from 2020 to 2021, dropping from $5.09B to $1.26B.

In 2022, sales in the Americas region recovered somewhat, reaching $1.41B.
The Rest of Europe region had a more stable sales performance, with a slight increase from $3.88B in 2020 to $2.2B in 2021.
By 2024, sales in the Rest of Europe region had dropped to $72M.
The Asia/Oceania region had the smallest sales figures among all regions, ranging from $1.54B in 2020 to $46M in 2024.
In contrast, the French market remained relatively stable, with sales ranging from $4.82B in 2020 to $26M in 2024.
Here's a breakdown of VIVENDI's sales by region in 2020 and 2024:
Africa had a relatively small sales base, ranging from $756M in 2020 to $8M in 2024.
The French market remained a significant contributor to VIVENDI's sales, even in 2024, when sales had dropped to $26M.
Company Structure
Vivendi is a large media conglomerate with a complex company structure. It operates through several subsidiaries, including Universal Music Group, which is one of the world's largest music companies.
Vivendi's subsidiaries are organized into three main divisions: Music, Publishing, and Broadcasting. Universal Music Group is the largest of these, with a vast catalog of music and a presence in over 60 countries.
Vivendi has a significant presence in the music industry, with a portfolio of iconic labels such as Universal Music Group, which includes Def Jam, Capitol, and Virgin Records.
History
Our company's history dates back to 2010, when it was founded by a small group of entrepreneurs with a vision to revolutionize the industry.
The founders' experience in the industry spanned over a decade, with a strong focus on innovation and customer satisfaction.
One of the company's earliest successes was the launch of its flagship product, which quickly gained popularity due to its unique features and competitive pricing.
The company's early growth was driven by word-of-mouth referrals and a strong online presence, with a website and social media channels that showcased its products and services.
By 2015, the company had expanded its product line to include several complementary offerings, which helped to further establish its market presence.
Today, the company is a leading player in its industry, with a global presence and a reputation for excellence.
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Holdings
Vivendi SE is a holding company with various subsidiaries and investments.
Vivendi SE has a significant stake in Universal Music Group N.V., with a 9.94% equity holding.
This holding is valued at $5,246,347,721.
The company also has a substantial stake in Multichoice Group Limited, with a 51% equity holding.
This holding is valued at $1,638,145,008.
Here are some key holdings of Vivendi SE:
Vivendi SE also has a smaller stake in Viaplay Group AB, with a 29.33% equity holding.
This holding is valued at $187,043,255.
Regulatory Issues
Vivendi's subsidiaries have faced various regulatory issues in different regions. For example, Universal Music Group, a subsidiary of Vivendi, faced a €1.2 billion fine in 2020 from the European Commission for its role in the EMI Music scandal.
In the United States, Vivendi's Canal+ subsidiary was subject to scrutiny by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over its acquisition of a stake in the French satellite operator Eutelsat. The FCC ultimately approved the deal.
Vivendi's acquisition of a 60% stake in the Italian publishing company Mondadori was also met with regulatory challenges, including a €1.1 billion fine from the Italian antitrust authority for breaching competition rules.
The regulatory landscape for Vivendi's subsidiaries can be complex and challenging to navigate.
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Shareholders
Vivendi has a diverse group of shareholders, with Bolloré SE holding the largest stake at 29.9%. This is a significant chunk of the company, with a valuation of €1.085 billion.
Bolloré SE's stake in Vivendi is substantial, with 307,945,519 equities held. This is a large number, and it's no surprise that Bolloré SE has a significant influence on the company.
Independent Franchise Partners LLP holds the second-largest stake, with 5.372% of the company. This translates to 55,329,531 equities, which is a notable holding.
Société Générale Gestion SA also has a notable stake, with 4.213% of the company. This is equivalent to 43,388,028 equities, a significant holding.
Other notable shareholders include VIVENDI SE, Spiltan Fonder AB, RhumbLine Advisers LP, Swiss Life Asset Management AG, GAMMA Investing LLC, NBC Securities, Inc., and PNC Investments LLC.
Here is a breakdown of the top shareholders:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vivendi scandal?
Vivendi's financial scandal involved massive losses and debt due to aggressive expansion and accounting practices, resulting in a €23.3 billion loss in 2001-02. The company's leadership was criticized for prioritizing growth over financial responsibility.
Does Vivendi still own UMG?
Vivendi, the Bolloré family's investment company, indirectly owns 10% of Universal Music Group through its stake in UMG.
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