On December 23, 2024, the CAC 40, the flagship index of the Paris Stock Exchange, welcomes a new player, Bureau Veritas, while Vivendi exits. This transition, decided during the quarterly review of Euronext indices, reflects the changing dynamics of financial markets and strategic changes within the companies concerned.
The exit of Vivendi: a logical consequence of a major reorganization
Historically anchored in media and publishing, Vivendi profoundly modified its structure in 2024. The group split into four distinct entities, each dedicated to a specific sector of activity:
- Canal+ : Listed on the London Stock Exchange.
- Has : Listed in Amsterdam.
- Louis Hachette Group : Bringing together Hachette Livre and Relay, listed on Euronext Growth Paris.
- Vivendi SE : A holding company mainly retaining minority stakes and Gameloft.
This reorganization drastically reduced the size of Vivendi, leading to a fall in its market capitalization, from 8.55 billion to 2.7 billion euros. By losing its economic and strategic weight, Vivendi no longer met the criteria to remain in the CAC 40, which led Euronext to withdraw.
Bureau Veritas: a solid and diversified new entrant
Bureau Veritas, founded in 1828, is a global leader in industrial inspection, certification and testing. With activities in more than 140 countries and services covering varied sectors such as sustainability, food safety and regulatory compliance, the company has earned the trust of investors.
The reasons for its entry into the CAC 40:
- Significant market capitalization : In 2024, Bureau Veritas will have a value of 13.5 billion euros, surpassing that of many members of the CAC 40 such as Renault.
- Continued growth : The company benefits from the growing need for certifications linked to environmental and regulatory issues.
- Strategic stability : Bureau Veritas maintains an upward trajectory, in line with the expectations of institutional investors.
Its integration reflects growing market interest in companies positioned in essential and expanding sectors.
A significant transition for investors
This replacement in the CAC 40 reflects a change in the priorities of the financial markets. While Vivendi, once a major player, has seen its influence diminish, Bureau Veritas embodies the new expectations of investors in terms of stability and performance in key sectors. By withdrawing from the CAC 40, Vivendi loses significant visibility with international investors.
However, by refocusing on specific activities, the holding company could consider a reconstruction strategy, in particular by capitalizing on its assets in video games. Entry into the CAC 40 will allow Bureau Veritas to benefit from increased notoriety and attract new investors. This recognition also consolidates its place among French industrial leaders..
Comparison between Vivendi and Bureau Veritas :
| Criteria | Vivendi | Bureau Veritas |
|---|---|---|
| Year of creation | 1853 | 1828 |
| Sectors of activity | Media, publishing, video games | Inspection, certification, industrial tests |
| Market capitalization (2024) | 2.7 billion euros | 13.5 billion euros |
| Current position | Hors CAC 40 (Euronext Paris) | CAC 40 |
| Recent developments | Split into four entities, loss of value | Continuous growth, diversification of activities |
An evolution of indices in line with the markets
The replacement of Vivendi by Bureau Veritas within the CAC 40 illustrates an adaptation of stock market indices to changing economic dynamics. It also marks an underlying trend: companies focused on innovation, sustainability and regulatory compliance are taking a central place in investors’ portfolios.
The future will tell us if Vivendi will manage to bounce back and regain its place among the heavyweights of the Stock Market. In the meantime, Bureau Veritas is preparing to consolidate its position as a new benchmark player in the Paris index.
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