Lagardère: sale of the regional daily press arm

The Lagardère group has today announced the completion of the sale of its regional daily press interests in southern France (principal titles: La Provence, Nice Matin, Var Matin, Corse Matin and Marseille Plus) to the Hersant Media Group. Approval from the Minister for the Economy and Finances, which was a pre-condition of the sale due to anti-trust considerations, was obtained by the Hersant Media Group on December 7, 2007.

As announced in previous press releases, Lagardère is selling its interest in the capital of the companies that publish these titles for a price of €160 million. It is expected that the divested business will have a marginally positive net cash position when the sale is completed.

The Lagardère group’s regional daily press arm in southern France generated revenues of €222 million and recurring operating income of €3 million in the year ended December 31, 2006.

The Lagardère group is a market leader in the media sector (books, press, audiovisual, distribution of cultural and entertainment products, and sports rights). The Group also has interests in the high technology sector via a 12.44% stake in EADS. Lagardère shares are listed in Paris on Eurolist by Euronext – Compartment A.