Vivendi is strengthening its presence in the European audiovisual sector by stepping into the Italian film industry. The French group led by businessman and television producer Vincent Bolloré, through its subsidiary StudioCanal, has acquired a 51% stake in Lucky Red for €26.6 million.
The deal includes the 40% stake previously held by founder Andrea Occhipinti, as well as an additional 11% purchased from minority shareholders. Occhipinti will retain a 49% stake in the company and continue in his operational role.
Founded in 1987 by Occhipinti together with Kermit Smith, Lucky Red is one of Italy’s most prominent independent film production and distribution companies and among the few that had not yet been acquired by a major international group. The parties stated that the acquisition will not affect Lucky Red’s activities, which primarily focus on arthouse cinema.
The French group’s entry comes at a time of financial strength for Lucky Red. In 2024, the company recorded revenues exceeding €50 million and a net profit of €3.7 million, confirming the resilience of the industrial model built over the years.
The transfer deed was signed in Rome by Andrea Occhipinti together with partners Valerio Scarinci and Stefano Massenzi, in the presence of StudioCanal CEO Anna Louise Marsh.
In Italy, Vivendi already holds stakes in Mediaset and Telecom Italia, further consolidating its expansion strategy in the media and telecommunications market.
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