A French government official has declared his disapproval of Orange’s exclusive talks with Hong-Kong based telco PCCW over its 49% stake in video website Dailymotion.
Emmanuel Macron, the economy, industry and digital minister, told Le Monde: “We…
A French government official has declared his disapproval of Orange’s exclusive talks with Hong-Kong based telco PCCW over its 49% stake in video website Dailymotion.
Emmanuel Macron, the economy, industry and digital minister, told Le Monde: “We have asked Orange to take into account the question of European digital sovereignty”. He then told the AFP newswire: “All options on the table must be considered”, implying that a European partner would be the preferred option.
Orange CEO Stephane Richard, during his company’s 5-year strategy plan announcement, called government protectionism “inane”, but said that discussions were being held with different parties. He is reported to have held talks with Microsoft and Softbank.
Le Monde reported that French holding company Fimalac, which started investing in the digital sector with its acquisition of Webedia in 2013 (it also controls 50% of Fitch Ratings) would be interested, as would Axel Springer, Bertelsmann and Canal+ owner Vivendi.
It is understood that at least two of these groups are not interested in Dailymotion.
Spokespeople for Vivendi, Bertelsmann and Axel Springer declined to comment on market speculation, while a representative for Fimalac was not immediately available.
Macron’s predecessor Arnoud Montebourg vetoed a sale of Dailymotion to Yahoo, overruling Orange’s management board on the basis of the state being a 25% stakeholder in the incumbent.
