Vivendi’s dream sale fades

VIVENDI Universal’s dream of landing a $14 billion cash-rich deal for its US entertainment empire is fast evaporating with final bids likely to fall short of the mark, sources involved in the auction said.

As the deadline for bids looms today, the media giant is facing a dwindling field of contenders for its Universal film, television and theme park business, with most valuing the assets at least $1 billion below Vivendi’s price tag, the sources said.

Vivendi chief Jean-Rene Fourtou, who took over from Jean-Marie Messier last year as the group teetered on the edge of collapse, is sticking by his $14 billion demand, despite the exit of another contender Thursday, Comcast.