Dailymotion in the heart of a new struggle of influences – Les Echos

An agreement was on track with the Hong Kong PCCW, but the government does not see it that way.

Certainly, looking for a partner for Dailymotion turns headache for the owner Orange. The French incumbent was to enter into exclusive negotiations with Hong Kong PCCW Group to cede 49% of its video platform. But the operation has taken another turn on Wednesday with the call of the Minister of Economy, Emmanuel Macron, to study possible European candidates, rather than give the French nugget to an Asian group. “ It can not be exclusive negotiations. It is necessary that all options (on the table) can be reviewed taking into account the issue of European sovereignty , “said Bercy AFP, confirming a report in the” World “.

Behind these statements, the State, which is a shareholder of Orange in the amount of 25.04%, seems to support another candidate: French Fimalac, owner of Webedia ( Allociné Disney Co, PureMédias, Jeuxvideo.com …). He had already expressed his interest in video platform in the past and has recently recalled the good memories of Orange after learning that a deal was on track with PCCW. The group could soon make an offer. The solution would be preferred by the Elysée, which would like to see Dailymotion stay in the French fold. François Hollande was also visiting Webedia there is little …

Several tracks

“ is leading the corporate interest of the Orange Group and we will decide from there. The doors remain open, if there is some interesting proposals we examine , “says one at Orange. “PCCW minority would, still assured recently Stéphane Richard, CEO of Orange. That the beautiful people are reassured, Dailymotion will stay with a major French roots. “

This is not the first time that the state puts his two cents in Dailymotion folder. In 2013 already, Arnaud Montebourg, Minister, had opposed a sale of more than 50% stake in the platform to the US Yahoo !, so doing derail the operation.

Orange, which already has more than 150 million euros in Dailymotion, does not want to spend hundreds of millions for the development of this company which is certainly a symbol but which represents only 0.18% of its turnover. Especially since the band never really created synergies with its subsidiary. His idea was to find an international partner. Especially as Dailymotion already generates 80% of its revenues outside France.

The main interest, Dailymotion, has so far not been consulted. Other names back in the event of a European investment, such as Springer and Bertelsmann German or French Vivendi, which says still interested.