Vivendi CEO Arnaud de
Puyfontaine said now that his company is the second-largest
shareholder in Mediaset, "there are more reasons than ever" for
the company find an agreement with the top Italian private
broadcaster.
De Puyfontaine went before the Italian stock market regulator
CONSOB in Rome on Friday for a hearing on the French group's
increase in Mediaset stock in response to a complaint filed
against it by Fininvest, the Berlusconi family holding company
that controls Mediaset.
Fininvest complained of insider trading, describing Vivendi's
buying spree as a hostile takeover attempt.
De Puyfontaine said that during the hearing Vivendi "had the
opportunity to clearly illustrate the situation and the actions
it has taken, inspired by maximum transparency and in full
respect of regulations".
He said Vivendi is "open to full collaboration and to furnish
all clarifications in a spirit of maximum transparency", adding
that he wants to "remain positive" on the possibility of
building a pan-European media group that "would be great news
for every Italian and every French".
Earlier this month Mediaset CEO Pier Silvio Berlusconi said
Vivendi caused the Italian broadcaster "very serious damage"
after it pulled out of a deal to buy Mediaset Premium last
April.
In August, Fininvest sought 570 million euros in damages
from Vivendi over its alleged failure to respect the deal.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
