Messier hanging by a thread at Vivendi

Closest ally quits board...

Jean-Marie Messier is hanging on as CEO and chairman of Vivendi despite the loss of his closest ally in the latest boardroom upheaval at the media giant. Messier stays on at the company despite protracted talks by directors over his position and the departure of Moet Henessey chairman Bernard Arnault. However, Messier's position as head of the world's second largest media company remains in the balance following reports that the board is likely to sound out replacements if the company's precarious financial position does not improve. Messier had enjoyed Arnault's strong backing in board disputes in the past.