Bollore stake in Aegis closes on 20% threshold

by Staff, Brand Republic 20-Oct-05, 11:30

LONDON - French financier Vincent Bollore has taken his stake in Aegis Group to within a hair's breadth of 20% as he snaps up shares in the media buying group like he has done every day this week.

Bollore has raised his stake in Aegis to 19.96% this morning, having yesterday moved it up to 19.15%.

It is likely that Bollore, who has previously described his stake in the British firm as a "financial holding", will soon be seeking seats on the Aegis board as he did with Havas after his stake reached 20%.

Bollore swiftly took control of Havas, winning four board seats and becoming chairman.

This week, his stake in Aegis has risen from 17.38% to 19.15% as his rapid stake-building mirrors his efforts to take control of French advertising and media group Havas earlier this year.

Bollore, who is now chairman of Havas, demanded four seats on the board of Havas at the end of April when his holding in the French firm hit 20%.

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