Bollore's stake in Aegis rises to 20.48%

by Staff, Brand Republic 25-Oct-05, 12:00

LONDON - French businessman Vincent Bollore is continuing his acquisition of Aegis Group shares, with his stake now reaching the 20.48% mark.

This means he is still well away from the 30% stake that would require him to make a bid for the whole of the company.

Bollore has not laid out his reasons for acquiring shares in Aegis, although some have speculated that, as its largest shareholder, he will ask for representation on the board.

Bollore, who is chairman of family-owned business Bollore Group as well as of the French ad group Havas, has been rapidly acquiring stock in Aegis since August.

However, the rate of acquisition appears to have slowed somewhat after rival French ad group Publicis said that it had decided not to make a bid for Aegis.

Publicis' withdrawal from the Aegis race leaves WPP Group and Hellman Friedman to decide whether they will make a bid. WPP has said it is primarily interested in Aegis because of Synovate.

If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the Forum.