Caisse des Dépôts, a 6.1% shareholder in Veolia, is ready to support
"a negotiated solution"
in the Suez case, while the attempted takeover of which it is the subject by its competitor Veolia has since stalled. October, his boss Eric Lombard told
Les Echos
daily
.
Read also: Determined to succeed in its takeover bid on Suez, Veolia refuses to negotiate with Ardian
“We could intervene in support of a negotiated solution, as we have always said, which would make it possible to consolidate two large French groups. We think that these two groups will need French shareholder anchoring
, ”he said in the
Wednesday
edition of Les
Echos
.
“This anchoring must be ensured by shareholders with a long-term vision so that the question does not arise again in five years.
We could play a role if there is agreement.
And we are always ready to speak to the main protagonists, ”
he added.
An offer from Ardian
After the buyback of 29.9% of its shares by Veolia from Engie in early October, Suez closed the door to discussions with its old rival concerning a
"friendly"
takeover
over the rest of its shares, denouncing a social and industrial breakdown.
Continuing to seek a buyer, Suez finally announced Sunday that it had received an offer from Ardian with the American fund GIP.
In particular, it opens a way out for Veolia by offering to buy back its stake in Suez.
But Veolia immediately announced, as early as Sunday evening, that it refused to sell its shares in Suez.
"Our goal is to buy Suez"
, then hammered the CEO of Veolia Antoine Frérot to the press Monday evening.
"I want to build a large industrial project and I need the assets that can constitute it"
.