Exhibit 99.1
[VIVENDI UNIVERSAL LOGO]
RTL Group and Canal+ Group sell their stakes in Sportfive
Paris, March 19, 2004 - RTL Group and Canal+ Group, a subsidiary of Vivendi
Universal [Paris Bourse: EX FP; NYSE: V], 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 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.
Xxxx-Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, the founder of Groupe Sportfive that is now a 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 Xx. Xxxxxx will hold.
Important Disclaimer:
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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 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 Canal+ Group or RTL Group 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 the French Autorite des Marches 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
xxx.xxx.xxx or directly from Vivendi Universal. Vivendi Universal does not
undertake, nor has any obligation, to update or revise forward-looking
statements.
CONTACTS :
Media Investor Relations
Paris Paris
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
x00 (0) 0 00 00 00 80 x00 (0) 000 00 00 00
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
x00 (0) 0 00 00 00 82 x00 (0) 0 00 00 00 33
Xxxxx Xxxxxxx
x00 (0) 0 00 00 00 86 New York
Xxxxxx XxXxxxxxxx
x(0) 000.000.0000
