Aegis in Talks to Sell Market Research Unit

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2011/06/05/business/business-us-aegis.html?_r=1&src=busln&nl=business&emc=dlbka22

Marketing company Aegis has received an approach for its market research unit Synovate from French group Ipsos that could result in a bid battle and ultimate sale of the whole company.

Aegis has long been seen as a merger target for French group Havas, with financier Vincent Bollore the major shareholder in both companies.

After several years of saying he would like the two companies to work more closely together, Bollore has recently indicated a willingness to sell his Aegis holding.

Analysts said major groups such as Publicis could be interested in buying parts of the rest of Aegis, as could Havas.

"The board of Aegis Group confirms that it is in discussions with Ipsos in relation to a potential transaction regarding its market research business Synovate," the group said. "There can be no certainty that any agreement will be reached."