Vivendi: European and American regulatory approval for acquisition of EMI by Universal Music

Vivendi and Universal Music Group are very satisfied with the announcements from the European Commission and the Federal Trade Commission in the United States approving the acquisition of EMI Recorded Music.

PHOTO CREDIT - UniversalMusic.ca

Toronto - September 21, 2012 - Vivendi and Universal Music Group are very satisfied with the announcements from the European Commission and the Federal Trade Commission in the United States approving the acquisition of EMI Recorded Music. Today’s clearance brings to an end an extensive regulatory review. This transaction will benefit both the artistic community and the cultural industry.

With EMI, Universal Music Group will strengthen its presence in countries such as Japan, the world’s second largest music market, increase its market share and develop its presence on all the digital platforms.

With a broad array of EMI artists from Katy Perry, Emeli Sandé, Robbie Williams, Herbert Grönemeyer, Lady Antebellum and Norah Jones, to icons like The Beatles, the Beach Boys, Genesis and Bob Seger, Universal Music Group remains true to its vision: to invest in talent and grow the company to offer consumers more music and more choice.

This acquisition will also enable Vivendi to significantly strengthen its ownership of exclusive content.

About Vivendi
Vivendi is at the hearts of the worlds of content, platforms and interactive networks.

Vivendi combines the world leader in video games (Activision Blizzard), the world leader in music (Universal Music Group), the French leader in alternative telecoms (SFR), the Moroccan leader in telecoms (Maroc Telecom Group), the leading alternative broadband operator in Brazil (GVT) and the French leader in pay-TV (Canal+ Group).

In 2011, Vivendi achieved revenues of €28.8 billion and adjusted net income of €2.95 billion. The Group has over 58,300 employees.