WSJ : Vivendi Revenue Rises, Boosted by Strong Growth Across Core Businesses

Vivendi Revenue Rises, Boosted by Strong Growth Across Core Businesses
The French media group said revenue for the first quarter rose 5.4%

Vivendi VIV 0.86%increase; green up pointing triangle said first-quarter revenue rose, boosted by strong growth at its three core businesses, Canal+ Group, Lagardere MMB 0.15%increase; green up pointing triangle and Havas.

The French media group said Monday that revenue for the period rose 5.4% at constant currency and perimeter to 4.275 billion euros ($4.57 billion) from EUR2.29 billion euros, driven by the consolidation of Lagardere as well as revenue growth at Canal+ Group and Havas.

Vivendi is in the process evaluating a break-up into four businesses that would be structured around its Canal+ television unit, its Havas advertising business, a company grouping its publishing and distribution assets including recently acquired Lagardere, and an investment company.

Canal+ revenue grew 2.6% at constant currency and perimeter to EUR1.54 billion in the first three months of the year, with revenue at its TV operations in mainland France increasing 5.1%, or 3.5% at constant currency and perimeter, driven by growth in the subscriber base and average revenue per user. International operations revenue rose 5.8%, or 4.1% at constant currency and perimeter, reflecting continued growth in the subscriber base, particularly in Africa.

Net revenue at Havas rose 4.8% to EUR617 million, or 2.0% on an organic basis, one of the strongest growth rates in the communications sector and confirming its operating momentum, the company said.