Vivendi in Talks to Sell Editis to Daniel Kretinsky’s International Media Invest

Vivendi SE, the French media conglomerate, is reportedly in talks to sell its publishing business, Editis, to billionaire Daniel Kretinsky’s International Media Invest. The announcement comes after Vivendi reviewed several offers for Editis and chose to enter into exclusive negotiations with Czech Media Invest's subsidiary, International Media Invest.

The potential sale of Editis is part of Vivendi's strategy to focus on its core businesses, which include music, television, and advertising. While Editis is a well-respected publisher in France, Vivendi is looking to streamline its operations and divest non-core assets.

Daniel Kretinsky's International Media Invest is a relatively new player in the media industry, having been established in 2019. However, Kretinsky is no stranger to the world of business. He made his fortune in energy and commodities before turning his attention to the media industry.

If the sale goes through, it would be a significant acquisition for International Media Invest and a notable shift in the French publishing industry. Editis is one of the largest publishing groups in France, with more than 40 imprints and a wide range of books in various genres. It boasts a strong stable of authors, including Guillaume Musso, Michel Bussi, and Amélie Nothomb.

While the sale is still subject to approval from the European Commission, it is expected to have a significant impact on the publishing industry. Kretinsky has been vocal about his ambitions to build a media empire, and the acquisition of Editis would be a significant step towards that goal.

At the same time, there are concerns about the impact of consolidation on the publishing industry. Some fear that the acquisition of Editis by International Media Invest could lead to a reduction in competition and diversity in the market. However, supporters of the deal argue that it could bring new investment and opportunities for growth to the industry.

The potential sale of Editis is also significant in light of the ongoing changes in the publishing industry. Digital disruption has upended traditional publishing models, and publishers are looking for new ways to reach readers and monetize their content. As such, the sale of Editis to a new player like International Media Invest could bring fresh thinking and innovation to the industry.

Overall, the potential sale of Editis to International Media Invest is a significant development in the French publishing industry. While there are concerns about consolidation and the impact on competition, the acquisition could also bring new investment and opportunities for growth to the industry. As such, it will be interesting to see how the deal progresses and the impact it has on the publishing landscape in France and beyond.