Quote:
Originally posted by Peter Noble
However, later in the day it said it was exploring an alliance involving both companies' (Vivendi's and Comcast's) cable TV channels and Vivendi's programming to create new channels and services.
Sources close to the talks said Vivendi approached Comcast about such a possibility after Comcast dropped out, leading some to speculate Vivendi is setting up contingency plans should its auction fail to bring an acceptable offer.
Vivendi has said it is still considering an initial public offering for VUE.
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This has "Improve your bid, NBC, written all over it." I think Vivendi will go with the NBC bid, and cast everyone else aside, if NBC can manage to include some upfront cash
OR guarantee a certain price for Vivendi's share of the assets when Vivendi eventually cashes them in.
With this proposed joint venture with NBC, Vivendi can cash out their share at a later date (when the value of VUE increases) and if they could get some cash now or a guaranteed amount later, it might make the deal a little more palatable to their shareholders.
