Vivendi, the French media giant, closed the first half of 2011 with an adjusted net profit of 1,83 billion euros, up 20% compared to the same period last year. Revenues also grew by 1,9% to $14,25 billion. Ebita (earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization) grew by 3,7% to 3,36 billion euros.
The purchase of the minority stake in Sfr, the second largest telecommunications operator in France, helped the positive cash flow. Furthermore, it was the emerging countries and above all the great growth of the video game and telecommunications sections in Brazil that pushed the transalpine group's accounts upwards. In France, however, the pressure on the telephony core business continues.
Vivendi has confirmed the targets set for the whole of 2011. The Group expects net profits exceeding 3 billion euros and an increase in the dividend.
