French financier Vincent Bollore Saturday disclosed that he has raised his stake in London-based Aegis Group to 14.06 percent and has indicated plans to raise his holdings even more. But Bollore, who
also has a controlling stake in French agency holding company Havas, may not be planning a takeover or break-up of Aegis, the parent of media networks such as Carat and Isobar, as well as marketing
research operations. In an interview scheduled to be published by European financial daily
Agefi, Bollore reportedly said Aegis should remain independent, reports Reuters, which was given an
advance copy of the interview. -- Joe Mandese