Vivendi, the French conglomerate that is acquiring Seagram, has denied a report that Pierre Lescure, head of the Vivendi-controlled Canal Plus satellite and film company, is resigning because of differences with Vivendi chief Jean-Marie Messier.

The report, which appeared in the French business newsletter La Lettre A, said that Lescure objected to plans to install Messier as head of Canal Plus' management committee following the merger. Lescure is expected to oversee all of Vivendi's entertainment operations, including Universal Studios.

The report follow's last week's resignation of Alex Berger, a close adviser to Messier and head of Vivendi's Internet unit. Berger was also expected to play a major role in the merged company.

Source: Studio Briefing