Bollore SA

Bolloré SE reported first-half 2026 revenue of 1,644 million euros, up 8% at constant scope and exchange rates, while net income fell to 133 million euros from 242 million euros a year earlier. Adjusted operating income, or EBITA, came to 104 million euros, down 15% from 123 million euros in the first half of 2025, with Bolloré Energy contributing 47 million euros, up 77%, and Communications contributing 181 million euros, down on lower contributions from Groupe Canal+ and UMG. Net income Group share was 132 million euros, compared with 240 million euros a year earlier, and shareholders' equity totaled 20,803 million euros, down 3,624 million euros from December 31, 2025, mainly due to 4,387 million euros in dividends paid, including a 4,215 million euro exceptional dividend. The net cash position stood at 1,447 million euros at June 30, 2026, compared with 5,619 million euros at the end of 2025, and the portfolio of listed securities was valued at 9,232 million euros at June 30, 2026, falling to 7,943 million euros by September 14, 2026, reflecting the sharp decline in UMG's stock price. Separately, Compagnie de l'Odet's board decided to pay an exceptional interim dividend of 2.5 billion euros on September 29, 2026, following Bolloré SE's 4.2 billion euro exceptional dividend in June 2026, with Bolloré SE and its subsidiaries set to receive approximately 2 billion euros in total.

Bolloré SE has announced plans to permanently discontinue production of its electric buses at Bluebus and to refocus Blue Solutions' strategy for its fourth-generation solid-state batteries. The company has initiated an information and consultation process with employee representatives regarding an Employment Protection Plan that could affect 74 positions at Bluebus over three years, with a leaner organization remaining to honor after-sales commitments. Separately, a European industrial player is considering acquiring Bluebus's research and development activities, which would transfer 17 employment contracts and reduce job cuts. At Blue Solutions, a similar process could affect 41 positions as the company seeks to streamline its organization and advance its Gen4 technology to industrial scale alongside a strategic investor. The projects reflect challenges in the French and European markets, including slower-than-expected growth and intense competition.