Who Owns Bollore Company?

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Who owns Bolloré SE?

The ownership structure of a company is a critical determinant of its strategic direction and accountability. In a significant recent development, Bolloré SE finalized the sale of its international freight forwarding and logistics business to CMA CGM for €4.85 billion on February 29, 2024. This event underscores the dynamic nature of corporate ownership.

Bolloré SE, a diversified French industrial and financial conglomerate, boasts a rich history dating back to its founding in 1822. Originally established as a paper manufacturer, it has evolved into a global powerhouse with interests spanning transportation, logistics, media, and electricity storage solutions. Understanding its ownership is key to grasping its current strategic direction, as highlighted by recent divestitures and ongoing ventures like those detailed in a Bollore PESTEL Analysis.

The group reported a net income of €1,840 million for fiscal year 2024, benefiting from the net capital gain on the Bolloré Logistics sale. Bolloré SE ended 2024 with a robust net cash position of €5,306 million, reflecting its strong financial standing post-divestiture.

The origins of the Bolloré Group trace back to 1822 with the establishment of Papeteries d'Odet by Nicolas Le Marié. While specific early ownership details are scarce, Jean-René Bolloré assumed leadership in 1863, initiating a period of family stewardship. This legacy of multi-generational control was notably reinforced when Vincent Bolloré, a descendant, repurchased the company in 1981 after a brief ownership by Edmond de Rothschild.

Founding of Papeteries d'Odet

The company's roots are firmly planted in paper manufacturing, established in Brittany, France. Nicolas Le Marié initiated this venture in 1822.

Bolloré Family Involvement

Jean-René Bolloré took the helm in 1863, marking the beginning of sustained family direction. This familial control has been a defining characteristic throughout its history.

Interruption and Reacquisition

A temporary shift in ownership occurred in 1975 when the company was acquired by Edmond de Rothschild. This period was short-lived, as Vincent Bolloré successfully bought it back in 1981.

Reassertion of Family Control

The 1981 buyback was a significant event, re-establishing the Bolloré family's dominant influence. This move underscored their commitment to guiding the company's future trajectory.

Long-Term Family Stewardship

The Bolloré family's continuous ownership and direction demonstrate a strong emphasis on legacy. This has enabled a consistent vision for the company's diversified expansion.

Historical Context

Understanding the company's early years provides insight into its enduring structure. The history of ownership is a key element in comprehending its current standing, as detailed in the Brief History of Bollore.

The Bolloré family's influence on the company's direction is a central theme in its historical narrative. Vincent Bolloré's active role in repurchasing the company in 1981 solidified the family's enduring commitment to its strategic development and control.

Key Ownership Milestones

The ownership of the company has seen significant shifts, with a strong emphasis on maintaining family control. These events have shaped the Bolloré Group's trajectory over time.

• Establishment of Papeteries d'Odet in 1822.
• Jean-René Bolloré taking leadership in 1863.
• Acquisition by Edmond de Rothschild in 1975.
• Vincent Bolloré's buyback in 1981, re-establishing family ownership.

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The ownership structure of Bolloré SE has been significantly shaped by strategic divestments and portfolio realignments in recent years, notably the sale of its logistics arm and a partial demerger of Vivendi.

Bolloré SE operates as a publicly traded entity on Euronext Paris, yet its control remains firmly anchored within the Bolloré family. This control is meticulously maintained through a sophisticated pyramid holding structure. As of the latest disclosures, the Bolloré family, primarily via Financière de l'Odet, commands a substantial 63% of Bolloré SE's share capital. The 2024 Universal Registration Document further clarifies that Bolloré Participations SE, along with other family-controlled holding companies like Sofibol, directly holds 57.3% of Bolloré SE's share capital. Compagnie de l'Odet, in which Bolloré Participations SE holds a controlling interest, in turn, holds 70.5% of Bolloré SE. This intricate arrangement allows the family to wield significant influence and voting power, effectively controlling nearly all votes in Compagnie de l'Odet with a relatively small capital stake. Vincent Bolloré himself directly and indirectly possesses 93.05% of the share capital and 71.55% of the theoretical voting rights of Compagnie de l'Odet SE, reinforcing the family's enduring grip on the group's direction. This structure is a key element in understanding the Marketing Strategy of Bollore.

Key Stakeholders and Recent Transactions

Beyond the dominant family ownership, several major institutional investors hold minority stakes in the company. Significant recent transactions have reshaped the group's asset composition.

• Major institutional investors include The Vanguard Group, BlackRock, Invesco Ltd., Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc., and State Street Global Advisors, Inc. (as of March 31, 2025).
• The sale of 100% of Bolloré Logistics to CMA CGM was finalized on February 29, 2024, for €4.85 billion, generating a net capital gain of €3.6 billion for Bolloré SE in 2024.
• In December 2024, Vivendi underwent a partial demerger, resulting in Bolloré SE directly holding stakes in Canal+, Louis Hachette Group, and Havas, and maintaining a 29.3% interest in Vivendi.
• These strategic moves highlight the family's active management of the group's portfolio to maintain strategic control.

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As of March 17, 2025, Bolloré SE's Board of Directors comprises Cyrille Bolloré as Chairman and CEO, with Yannick Bolloré and Cédric de Bailliencourt serving as Vice-Chairmen. The board also includes Chantal Bolloré, Marie Bolloré, and Sébastien Bolloré, alongside employee representatives and a representative from Bolloré Participations SE, the ultimate family holding company.

The voting power within Bolloré SE is significantly concentrated due to its ownership structure, which is largely controlled by the Bolloré family through a series of holding companies. Financière de l'Odet, along with entities like Compagnie de l'Odet SE and Bolloré Participations SE, are instrumental in this control. Vincent Bolloré's influence is paramount, as he controls Bolloré Participations SE, which in turn holds a dominant voting position in Compagnie de l'Odet SE. This intricate structure allows the Bolloré family to maintain substantial influence over the company's strategic direction, even though Bolloré SE is publicly traded on Euronext Paris. There have been no significant recent challenges to this family control from activist investors or proxy battles.

Understanding Bolloré Group's Control

The Bolloré family's influence over Bolloré SE is maintained through a pyramid ownership model. This structure ensures their ability to steer the company's strategic decisions effectively.

• Family control through holding companies
• Dominant voting rights via intermediate entities
• Influence on strategic decision-making
• No major recent activist challenges
• Understanding the Revenue Streams & Business Model of Bollore is key to grasping the full scope of their operations.

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Over the last few years, Bolloré SE has undergone significant strategic shifts, notably impacting its ownership structure and asset base. The sale of its logistics arm and a partial demerger of Vivendi have reshaped its holdings, with a continued focus on media and energy sectors.

These strategic moves have bolstered Bolloré SE's financial position, with net cash reaching €5,306 million by the end of 2024. The company's investment policy continues, with recent acquisitions including additional Universal Music Group (UMG) NV shares and an increased stake in Rubis, now holding 5.96% as of February 28, 2025.

Strategic Divestment

The sale of Bolloré Logistics for €4.85 billion significantly enhanced the group's liquidity. This divestment marked a key step in streamlining operations.

Portfolio Refinement

The partial demerger of Vivendi simplified Bolloré SE's media holdings. Direct stakes in Canal+, Louis Hachette Group, and Havas were maintained.

Shareholder Activity

Bolloré SE conducted share buybacks in 2024, acquiring 12 million shares. The company also increased its investment in Universal Music Group.

Investment Focus

The group's investment strategy shows a pivot towards media and energy. This is supported by a strong financial position, as seen in its Target Market of Bollore analysis.

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