Former Vivendi boss Messier to stand trial on charges of misleading investors
By APThursday, October 22, 2009
Former Vivendi boss ordered to stand trial
PARIS — Vivendi SA says its former CEO Jean-Marie Messier and other former top executives have been ordered to stand trial on charges of misleading investors while they were transforming the once-stodgy water utility into a high-flying film, music and pay TV giant.
Vivendi said Thursday it was reviewing the order by investigating magistrate Jean-Marie d’Huy. The company is a plaintiff in the case.
The judge’s decision to put Messier and six others on trial ignores a recommendation by Paris prosecutors that the case be thrown out.
The probe began in 2002 after a complaint by shareholders alleging the company misled investors into buying or holding Vivendi stock.
Others charged include ex-Vivendi executive vice president Edgar Bronfman, Jr. and former chief financial officer Guillaume Hannezo.
