In an interview with the French newspaper Le Figaro, De Pouzilhac, chairman and chief executive of Havas, says that Bollore, who now owns 20% of Havas' shares, has different versions of the truth about his intentions for the group depending what best suits the time of day.
He cites the example of Grey Global Group, which Havas was attempting to buy, a move that Bollore said he supported. However, de Pouzilhac discovered only days after receiving his support that Bollore had been having talks with Sir Martin Sorrell, chief executive of rival bidder WPP Group and eventual victor in the fight for Grey.
De Pouzilhac also accused Bollore of behaving as if he controlled Havas, and pointed out that his 20% share in the company was not more important than the 80% owned by other shareholders.
"Is Vincent Bollore an industrialist or a raider? Does he want to develop, cut up or to resell Havas? I really am incapable of answering," he said.
He also claimed that synergies with the Bollore Group, which owns minor media interests, are negligible.
The comments come ahead of Havas' June 9 annual general meeting, at which shareholders will vote on whether or not Bollore should be given four seats on the Havas board.
Havas' current management was given a boost by news that two groups are advising investors in Havas to vote against Bollore's request. The board of the company had already recommended that shareholders vote against him.
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