LONDON (Brand Republic) - Bertelsmann CEO Thomas Middelhoff is stepping down from the board of Vivendi Universal, as Europe鈥檚 two largest media companies consider a series of deals involving a number of their rival operations.
The companies are understood to be discussing plans to create a pan-European sports rights company. The company would be owned by Vivendi鈥檚 pay-TV group Canal+, RTL Group -- the broadcaster controlled by Bertelsmann -- and sports communications group JC Darmon.
Vivendi is believed to considering selling its German-based counterpart the 50% stake in French book club France Loisirs that Bertelsmann does not already own.
Meanwhile, Bertelsmann is said to be considering a sale of its stake in GetMusic.com -- a joint venture between BMG and Universal Music.
As the companies look to further develop their businesses, the potential for conflict of interest and overlapping business ambitions increases.
It is for this reason that Middelhoff, said to be a close friend of Vivendi CEO Jean-Marie Messier, is understood to stepping down from the board.