Vivendi H1 results

French media conglomerate Vivendi reported a significant 39.3% increase in adjusted operating profit for the first half of 2024, reaching €619 million ($672 million), largely due to the consolidation of Lagardère and the robust performance of its advertising business, Havas. Overall revenues climbed to €9.05 billion ($9.8 billion), marking a 5.8% organic growth attributed to strong performances from Lagardère and Canal+ Group. Vivendi is actively expanding its international presence, making moves to acquire the remaining shares of MultiChoice in Africa to better compete with Netflix. The company is also exploring plans to list Canal+ in London and Havas in Amsterdam, with decisions expected by October. Additionally, Vivendi's stake in Universal Music Group faced pressure after lower-than-expected revenue reports from the music label. CEO Arnaud de Puyfontaine highlighted the company's strategic investments and optimistic outlook in the evolving media landscape.