Vivendi Profit Up for 2010

PARIS: Vivendi posted a 4.4-percent rise in its 2010 profit, with revenues up 6.4 percent to 28.9 billion euros ($40 billion).

EBITA was up 6.2 percent, to 5.7 billion euros ($7.9 billion). This increase was driven by the performance of video game company Activision Blizzard, Moroccan telecommunications company Maroc Telecom Group and French pay-TV giant Canal+ Group, as well as the consolidation of its Brazilian telecom subsidiary GVT.

Canal+ Group reported full-year revenues of 4.7 billion euros ($6.5 billion), which represents a 3.5-percent increase. Additionally, Vivendi received $390 million in dividends between January 2010 and the end of January 2011 relating to the sale of its equity interest in NBC Universal. 

Jean-Bernard Lévy, the CEO of Vivendi, commented: “Vivendi achieved good results in 2010. All indicators improved compared to 2009. This performance was driven by our growth investments, particularly in video games, Brazil and broadband in France. Despite difficult economic conditions, and regulatory and tax measures weighing heavily on our investment, 2011 should see slight growth in our earnings at constant perimeter and the maintaining of a high cash dividend.

"Following the sale of our stake in NBC Universal and the favorable settlement of the litigation in Poland, Vivendi controls alone all of its assets. More than ever, customers of digital content and services lie at the heart of our focus. We will combine our investment in networks, platforms and content with sustained efforts to develop projects, to share expertise between our divisions and stimulate innovation to enhance our organic growth.”