VIVENDI UNIVERSAL MAKING
ONLINE MOVES?

Vivendi Universal is hoping to unveil a distribution deal in the United States later this week in an attempt to meet pledges to investors to create a global communications and content group.

According to London's Financial Times, the company recognizes that while it has all kinds of entertainment and information content from its Universal purchase, it has few ways to distribute it.

"The first priority is to increase our U.S. distribution reach," said Jean-Marie Messier, Chairman of the company from the penalty box, where he was spending two minutes for spearing. "For the first time in our history, we are strong enough not to look at it any more only through acquisitions, but focusing first on partnerships or commercial agreements."

The paper said Vivendi Universal executives have been looking at several options, including how it might work with Yahoo. It has also been considering wireless relationships with the likes of AT&T or Verizon.

Messier has ruled the company out of the satellite TV business, but it has been looking at relationships with cable operators.