Vivendi Keeping Its Options Open

Vivendi Universal (V - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) talked tough Tuesday as investors awaited word of a major asset sale.

In an audiocast meeting with investors Tuesday, the Paris-based media conglomerate insisted it held the trump cards as it prepares to dispose of its U.S.-based entertainment businesses.

Chief Financial Officer Jacques Espinasse told investors Vivendi had six potential buyers for its Vivendi Universal Entertainment assets, which include film, television and theme park operations. In addition, he said, the company would not be pressured to sell the property cheaply, and it could do an initial public offering of VUE's shares as an alternative to an asset sale.

"We are not in a corner," Espinasse said. "There is a floor under which we will not go."

Investors -- perhaps hoping that Espinasse had more substantial progress to report on VUE -- sent Vivendi Universal's shares down 44 cents to $20.19.

Progress

Without mentioning any names, Espinasse also sought to dismiss speculation that Barry Diller -- a minority shareholder in VUE through personal holdings and also via USA Interactive (USAI - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) -- could throw a wrench into any VUE asset sale. "VU is not handicapped in its ability to sell its VUE assets," said Espinasse. "Potential buyers will not be handicapped." Diller has previously insisted that Vivendi Universal can't sell any VUE assets unless it either gets USA's consent or gives USA $2 billion.

Espinasse's comments came as Vivendi Universal reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31. The company reported a net loss of 319 million euros, less than the 815 million-euro loss it reported for the first quarter of 2002. The company credited its improvement to progress at its telecommunications operations and European television business, as well as companywide cost-cutting. These offset operating results hurt by a weakening U.S. dollar compared to the euro.