2004-03-19: RTL Group and CANAL+ Group sell their stake in Sportfive
RTL Group and Canal+ Group, a subsidiary of Vivendi Universal, today concluded an
agreement concerning the sale of their interests in Sportfive to Advent International. The
transaction is based on a 100% value of 560 million euros.
The sale is subject to the confirmation of financing and to the approval of the European
antitrust authorities.
Under the terms of the deal Advent International, a leading private equity fund, and RTL
Group will set up a new company that will purchase all the shares of Sportfive held by RTL
Group (46.4%) and Canal+ Group (46.4%). Advent International is expected to hold 75 % of
the new company and RTL Group the remaining 25%. Canal+ Group will withdraw from
Sportfive entirely.
Jean-Claude Darmon, the founder of Groupe Sportfive that is now world leader in rights to
sporting events, has accepted to continue as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the
group. Negotiations are proceeding with the acquirers to set the level of the stake that
Mr. Darmon will hold.
Important Disclaimer:
This press release contains 'forward-looking statements' as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially
from the forward-looking statements and business strategy as a result of a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which
are outside our control, including but not limited to the risks that Vivendi Universal and/or Groupe Canal+ will not be able
to obtain the necessary approvals for the contemplated transaction, as well as the risks described in the documents Vivendi
Universal has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and with the French Autorité des Marchés Financiers.
Investors and security holders may obtain a free copy of documents filed by Vivendi Universal with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov or directly from Vivendi Universal. Vivendi Universal does not undertake to provide,
nor has any obligation to provide, update or revise forward-looking statements.
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