Vivendi Gets EU Charges for Closing Lagardere Deal Too Soon (1)

Vivendi SE has been hit with a formal European Union complaint for allegedly closing its takeover of Lagardere SA before obtaining the green light from Brussels.

The European Commission said Friday that “Vivendi exercised decisive influence over Lagardere before the transaction was notified to the commission.” The issuing of a so-called statement of objections could pave the way for future fines of as much as 10% of their combined sales.

“Any potential breach of these rules is a serious matter that must be carefully investigated,” Teresa Ribera, the EU’s antitrust chief, said in a statement. “In ...