Bolloré's rejection of Ackman's $64bn UMG offer sends Vivendi (VIV) shares higher
Bolloré SE's recommendation to reject Bill Ackman's $64 billion offer for Universal Music Group sent Vivendi shares higher on Friday. The French media conglomerate's stock is up 5.3% to €2.40 on 29 May 2026, having closed at €2.28 yesterday.
Bolloré SE, a major shareholder in Universal Music Group, deems the $64 billion bid from Bill Ackman's entity to undervalue the music company. Vivendi holds a 13.4% stake in UMG. The Bolloré family, which also owns Vivendi, possesses sufficient influence to block the proposed transaction.
This stance suggests an increased valuation for Vivendi, as its own value is directly correlated with UMG's revaluation potential. The Bolloré family's significant shareholding allows it to influence UMG's strategic decisions.
Why the rejected UMG bid revalues Vivendi
Vivendi is a French media and content conglomerate that primarily earns its revenue by holding and managing stakes in various companies across the sector. Its business model means its value is intrinsically linked to the performance of its subsidiaries and investments, which span music, publishing, television, and advertising, serving entertainment and information consumers globally.
The specific catalyst for Vivendi's upward movement today, 29 May 2026, is the firm rejection by Bolloré SE, a major shareholder in Universal Music Group (UMG), of Bill Ackman's $64 billion buyout offer for the music giant. This strong stance stems from the conviction that the offer substantially undervalues UMG. Given that the Bolloré family also owns Vivendi, which itself holds a 13.4% stake in UMG, they possess the influence to block such a transaction, signalling their intent to extract greater value from this strategic asset.
This expectation of a future revaluation for UMG has directly enhanced the market's perception of Vivendi's own worth. As a result, Vivendi's share price is currently trading at €2.40, marking a 5.3% increase from its previous close of €2.28.
Imagine you own a collection of vintage cars, with one particularly rare model you've always believed is worth far more than any offers you've received. If a potential buyer makes a bid you deem insufficient, your decisive refusal, especially if you have the power to block the sale, only reinforces the true, higher value of that specific car. For the rest of your collection, whose perceived worth is tied to the star vehicle, their own valuation naturally strengthens.
Vivendi
Vivendi SE (VIV) is a diversified entertainment, media, and communications conglomerate operating across Europe, the Americas, Asia/Oceania, and Africa. Its operations span several key segments, including the Canal+ Group, which publishes and distributes premium pay-TV and free-to-air channels, alongside producing and selling films and television series. The Havas Group provides expertise in creative, media, and healthcare communications. Vivendi's Editis segment focuses on publishing literature, educational, and reference books, managing their sales and distribution. Prisma Media publishes online videos, while Gameloft creates and distributes downloadable video games for various platforms. Vivendi Village offers ticketing services and organises live performances. The company also oversees Dailymotion, a video content aggregation platform, and develops ultra-high-speed internet services through its New Initiative segment. Vivendi SE was established in 1853 and is headquartered in Paris, France.