Vivendi Activision sell-off rumours resurface

Ongoing rumours suggesting Vivendi is considering selling owned publisher Activision have once again resurfaced.

Bloomberg reports that a decision will be made at a senior executive meeting this month. The most likely option is a sale of its 60 per cent stake in Activision Blizzard.

It adds that Vivendi has met with investors in recent weeks to discuss its options, one of which would be the sale of owned TV channel Canal Plus.

Vivendi’s stock has fallen 28 per cent in the last year and are currently at a nine-year low. However, shares in Activision – Vivendi’s fourth biggest business – have grown 4.5 per cent in the same period, outpacing rivals such as EA, making its Vivendi’s second fastest growing business unit.

An operational split also remains possible, with Universal Music Group, Canal Plus and Activision separating to form an individual unit.

Activision is estimated to be worth around $13.4bn.

Vivendi reduced its stake in Activision by around three per cent in November. In April of this year it denied reports of a possible Activision Blizzard sell-off.