Bollore takes stake in Aegis to 20.22%

by Staff, Brand Republic 24-Oct-05, 11:35

LONDON – With no word on what his intentions might be, French financier Vincent Bollore has taken his stake in media buying and research group Aegis to 20.22%.

The latest stake increase takes the Havas chairman's holding in Aegis up from 20.13%, where it stood at the end of last week. Bollore is expected this week to make his intentions clearer, having moved beyond the 20% threshold.

The speculation is that he could now demand representation on the board of Aegis. If Bollore acquires shares giving him 30% or more of voting rights in Aegis, he is bound to make a bid for the company under UK regulations.

The latest move by Bollore follows the news on Friday that Aegis had appointed Mainardo de Nardis, the CEO of WPP Group's Mediaedge:cia, to the global role of CEO of Aegis Media.

De Nardis leaves Mediaedge:cia, and its forerunner CIA-MediaNetwork, after more than 12 years to join Aegis.

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