Aegis rejects third Bollor矢oard bid

Aegis Group, owner of media agencies Carat and Vizeum, has knocked back Vincent Bollor»’s bid for a place on the board for a third time in 10 months. The group says shareholders voting at its extraordinary general meeting today (Wednesday) rejected Groupe Bolloré ‘s proposals to appoint directors to the Aegis board.

It adds that 93% of shares not controlled by Groupe Bollor» voted against the two resolutions.

BollorÈ, who owns a 29.1% stake in Aegis, has failed twice before in his bid to have Roger Hatchuel and Philippe Germond nominated to the board over concerns that their appointment would create a conflict of interest because of Bollor»’s interests in Havas.

Aegis shareholders rejected identical proposals in June and November 2006. Aegis chairman Lord Sharman says independent shareholders see board representation for a direct competitor as an “unacceptable” conflict of interest. He adds: “We hope that Groupe Bollor» will come to respect this democratically expressed point of view.”