Abstract

The case examines in detail the circum-stances under which Jean Marie Messier (Messier) had to step down as the Chairman of the France-based Vivendi Universal (VU), the world’s second largest media company. The case discusses the problems that Messier, once lauded as one of the world’s leading businessmen, had to face and the criticism he received French business esta-blishment, French media, industry observers and company shareholders. In addition, the case explains why Messier’s strategic plans for VU failed, and how his inclination towards the American style of management and his views regarding the French way of running businesses led to his downfall.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Basic beliefs, value system, business philosophy and leadership style of Messier.

Keywords

Jean Marie Messier, Messier, Chairman, France, Vivendi Universal, VU, world's, second largest, media company, world, leading, businessmen, criticism, French, business establishment, French media, industry observers, company shareholders, strategic plans, American style