Brussels, 28/11/2003 (Agence Europe) - The European Consumers' Organisation (BEUC) submitted its comments to the European Commission concerning the proposed merger between Lagardère and Editis (the publishing division of Vivendi Universal). It expresses concern for consumers who, in its view, would have to pay more for books in the French language for a more limited choice. The remedies proposed by Lagardère remain broadly insufficient given the problems posed by this merger in terms of competition, editorial diversity, choice and the final price to be paid by the consumer, the association states in a press release. According to its president, Jim Murray, it is essential that the Commission should call for the transfer of larger assets and ensure that a competitor able to counter the weight of Hachette emerges. After the fashion of BEUC, the independent publishers (Gallimard, Le Seuil and La Martinière), backed by the "Syndicat de la librairie française" associated to the independent publisher, Actes Sud, consider that the proposals to transfer assets are totally insufficient for restoring a competitive balance.
This week, discussions between Lagardère and the Commission entered their last phase, before the final remittance of commitments on 2 December. According to AFP, Lagardère is ready to sell one third of Editis assets, namely the Editions Nathan, Bordas, Le Robert, Robert Laffont, and Pocket as well as the distribution centre of Ivry in order to reduce the market shares in the distribution sector from 50% to 39%. The Commission gives preference to selling to a single buyer that could become a true rival to the Lagardère new formula. It will give its decision on 13 January at the latest.