Vivendi announces talks to buy publisher Prisma Media

Canal+-owning French media giant Vivendi has announced that it is in talks with Germany’s Bertelsmann to buy publishing house Prisma Media.

The news comes at a time when Vivendi majority shareholder Vincent Bollore is looking to increase his influence at media group Lagarde.

In its announcement, Vivendi called Prisma “France’s number one press publishing group in print and digital.” It noted that more than 42 million French people are exposed to one of Prisma’s brands every month, whether that is via print or online.

The talks are exclusive, and Vivendi is looking to acquire 100% of the brand.

A statement from Vivendi said: “ This acquisition would perfectly fit with Vivendi’s strategy as a leading media, content and communications group, complementing the scope of its existing activities. It would also offer interesting opportunities for cooperation within the Group and development of the high-quality Prisma Media publications.”

Bertelsmann meanwhile is coming off the back of the US$2.2 billion purchase of book publisher Simon & Schuster from ViacomCBS, with the company using the funds to boost its upcoming SVOD service Paramount+.