DECISION ON VIVENDI UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING POSTPONED.

Yves Sabouret, in charge of relations with the EU for the French group Lagardere, welcomed in a radio interview on July 2 the European Commission's postponement until December of its decision on the takeover of Vivendi Universal Publishing (VUP) by Lagardere. "I think this longer review period shows that everyone is determined to act with a great deal of responsibility and reserve and I think that can be considered positive. In any case, that is how I see it", he commented, stressing the complexity of the case. Yves Sabouret said Lagardere would abide by the Commission's decision. Asked whether Lagardere planned to buy all or only part of VUP, he said the group had "very clearly" reiterated its determination "not to comment on the procedure and in particular on the Commission's decisions, timeframe or declarations"...