Davis Polk advised J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. as joint book-running managers and representatives of the several initial purchasers on a Rule 144A/Regulation S debt offering by Vivendi S.A. of $550 million aggregate principal amount of 2.4% notes due 2013, $650 million aggregate principal amount of 3.45% notes due 2018 and $800 million aggregate principal amount of 4.75% notes due 2022.

Davis Polk also advised J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated as dealer managers for a cash tender offer by Vivendi to purchase any and all of Vivendi’s outstanding 5.75% notes due 2013. 

Paris-based Vivendi is a leader in communications and entertainment bringing together the world’s leader in video games (Activision Blizzard), the world’s leader in music (Universal Music Group), France’s leader in alternative telecommunications (SFR), Morocco’s leader in telecoms (Maroc Telecom Group), Brazil’s leader in alternative high-speed Internet operations (GVT), and France’s leader in pay-TV (Canal+ Group). 

The Davis Polk corporate team included partner Andrés V. Gil and associates Nora N. Muller and Thomas J. Clarke. Partner John D. Paton and associate Sarah Joy provided tax advice. Vivienne M. Guiden was the legal assistant on the transaction. Members of the Davis Polk team are based in the Paris and London offices.