UCI, one of the world's leading multiplex cinema groups, is jointly owned by Vivendi and Viacom unit Paramount Pictures. It has 1,091 screens in 120 cinemas in 12 countries.
It is thought that UCI could be worth as much as €1bn if estimates based on each screen being worth £1m are correct.
Vivendi chief executive Jean-Marie Messier is thought to be under pressure to lower the company's debt after write-offs linked to its merger with Seagram and its recent takeover of USA Entertainment saw it post losses of €13.6bn in 2001.
This figure is thought to have been the largest loss after exceptional items posted by a French company. Reports indicate that Messier's annual bonus could be linked to his success in reducing the debt.
If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the .
_1.jpg)
.jpg)
