Powered by Lexis+®
Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

EU competition law update: SO on Vivendi/Lagardère for Articles 4, 7 and 8 EUMR; Corning 'Gorilla Glass' commitments; draft FSR guidelines; merger updates; State aid approvals (18 July 2025)

Published on: 18 July 2025

Published by a LexisNexis Competition expert
Legal News
imgtext
Article summary

Mergers Commission issues SO for potential breaches of Articles 4, 7 and 8 EUMR in Vivendi/Lagardère merger

The Commission has sent a statement of objections to Vivendi S.A., setting out its preliminary view that Vivendi failed to meet the notification requirement (Article 4 EUMR) and the standstill obligation (Article 7 EUMR), and did not respect the conditions and obligations linked to the Commission’s 9 June 2023 decision clearing the Vivendi/Lagardère (M.10433) deal (Article 8 EUMR).

Both companies are French global media and entertainment groups. Vivendi operates in:

  • television and cinema (Canal+Group)
  • book publishing (Editis)
  • magazines (Prisma Media)
  • video games (Gameloft)
  • advertising (Havas Group)

Lagardère S.A. is active in:

  • book publishing (Hachette)
  • travel retail (Lagardère Travel Retail)
  • press and radio (Europe 1)
  • live entertainment (Lagardère Live Entertainment)

Background

On 30 November 2022, the Commission referred the transaction to phase II. At phase I, it raised concerns that the merger could harm competition in book publishing, notably in the markets for purchasing authors’ rights for French-language books and for the distribution, marketing and sales of French-language books to retailers. It also identified potential harm to competition in press magazines...

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

Popular documents

When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...

Read More Right Arrow

This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...

Read More Right Arrow

Date [ date ] Parties [ name of Landlord ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Landlord) [ name of Tenant ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Tenant) [ [ name of Guarantor ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Guarantor) ] [ [ name of Mortgagee ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Mortgagee) ] Definitions Within this Deed, the terms below shall be interpreted as follows: [ Annual Rent • the annual sum reserved under the Lease; ] [ Insurance Rent • the Tenant’s share of the Landlord’s costs of insuring the Property (as set out in the Lease); ] Lease • the lease of the Property dated [ date ], entered into between (1) [ the Landlord OR [ name ...

Read More Right Arrow

I, [ name ], of [ address ], solemnly and sincerely state that: [ Matters to be verified, set out in numbered paragraphs ] I make this solemn statement in good conscience, believing it to be true, and pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. DECLARED at [ details ] this [ day ] day of [ month and year ] Before me ................................................................................ [ signature of the person before whom the declaration is made ] A [ commissioner for oaths OR [ solicitor OR [ insert other qualification ] ] authorised to administer oaths ]...

Read More Right Arrow