Received statement of objections from Brussels CEO
Obtained three serious offers for Editis CEO
Reports annual loss on Telecom Italia, Editis impairment
Vincent Bollore to fully leave board

March 8 Reuters French media group Vivendi hit antitrust hurdles in its quest to take over media group Lagardere, its chief executive said on Wednesday, as the company has a week to convince the European Commission over its proposed remedies.

Hachette, the world39;s thirdbiggest publishing group, currently owned by Lagardere, is key to the planned tieup. The prospect of seeing Hachette merged with Vivendi39;s publishing division Editis triggered criticism from independent publishers and the loss of some wellknown authors from Editis.

Vivendi, controlled by billionaire Vincent Bollore, has formally received a statement of objections from the European Union39;s antitrust authorities, CEO Arnaud de Puyfontaine told reporters in call.

The document includes a long list of queries and comes after remedies already proposed by Vivendi in particular the spinoff and simultaneous distribution of Editis39; shares to Vivendi shareholders and its listing on the Paris stock exchange.

We are continuing our constructive discussions with the European Commission on the remedies that could be proposed, de Puyfontaine said. In parallel, we are continuing discussions with potential buyers of Editis with a view to filing remedy proposals around midMarch.

Bollore is Vivendi39;s controlling…