Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on December 10, 2025
1 min readLast updated: January 20, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleVivendi risks a significant EU fine for prematurely closing its Lagardere acquisition. The European Commission will decide next year.
By Foo Yun Chee
BRUSSELS, Dec 10 (Reuters) - French media conglomerate Vivendi made a last-ditch effort on Wednesday to stave off a potential EU antitrust fine, following charges it closed its acquisition of publisher Lagardere before receiving regulatory approval.
Vivendi, represented by more than a dozen lawyers, made its case to senior competition officials and lawyers at the European Commission as well as French antitrust officials at a day-long closed hearing. Lagardere's lawyers were also present.
All the participants declined to comment.
The Commission, which acts as the EU competition watchdog, in its July charge sheet said Vivendi breached the standstill obligation set out in the bloc's merger rules.
The company, which has rejected the charges, risks a fine of as much as 10% of its global annual revenue if found guilty of breaking EU rules.
The Commission, which takes a tough line against procedural violations and has handed out stiff fines in recent years, is set to issue its decision next year.
It cleared the Lagardere deal prior to opening the investigation.
(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
Antitrust refers to laws and regulations that promote competition and prevent monopolies in the marketplace. These laws aim to protect consumers and ensure fair business practices.
Regulatory approval is the process by which a company must obtain permission from a governing body before proceeding with certain actions, such as mergers or acquisitions, to ensure compliance with laws.
A merger is a business transaction where two companies combine to form a single entity. Mergers can help companies achieve greater market share and operational efficiencies.
A fine is a monetary penalty imposed by a regulatory authority on an individual or organization for violating laws or regulations. Fines are often used as a deterrent against non-compliance.
The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and upholding EU treaties. It plays a key role in regulating competition within the EU.
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