Publicis CEO Stresses Independence on Report of Vivendi Interest

Publicis Groupe SA chief executive officer Arthur Sadoun worked to tamp down on rumors of potential buyout interest from Vivendi SE, stressing that his company values its independence.

“Independence is in our DNA,” Sadoun said to reporters while presenting the Paris-based ad company’s second-quarter earnings. “That says it all.”

Last month, Challenges Magazine, citingtwo unidentified bankers, reported that billionaire Vincent Bolloré may be eyeing Publicis. The potential for a deal sent Publicis shares soaring by as much as 5.4%. Vincent Bolloré controls Vivendi, a media conglomerate that includes ad agency Havas.

Publicis posted net revenue of €3.24 ...