Despite all efforts to prevent the businessman from taking control of the daily press titles in the south of France, neither Arnaud Montebourg, who was reportedly very active in trying to stop the deal from reaching its conclusion, nor a certain local political class, who were not eager to see Bernard return to Marseille, succeeded in preventing this takeover that had been brewing for months.
But what is (still) driving Tapie?
Here too, everyone has their predictions, even their forecasts! Some see him gearing up for the upcoming Marseille municipal elections, while others think he will wait patiently until the next term, positioning himself advantageously thanks to his media coverage. In terms of comparisons, there’s talk of Berlusconi and Murdoch, yet no one really knows the strategy of the former savior of struggling businesses.
This time, however, it seems the French businessman encountered difficulties in completing the deal, with Bernard Tapie even claiming to have a recording proving Arnaud Montebourg’s determination to call off the purchase of GHM’s titles. Jean-Marc Ayrault merely expressed his relief that the risk of losing regional daily newspapers was averted, as that, in the end, is what matters. Understand whoever can or wants to?
But it was on the local political front where the reaction was more intense following the announcement of the purchase. Though it had been known for some time that Bernard Tapie wished to buy the press group, people were reluctant to believe it until it happened, similar to Saint Thomas. It is now undeniable that the deal is concluded, and even though the former Minister denies any intentions of diving back into politics, it’s also known that once you experience it, it’s not always easy to stay away. One thing is certain, if it were to happen, Marseille would naturally be the prime target of the former president of the local football club. Even though Bernard Tapie’s personality did not win him universal friends in the world of Provençal football, many still nostalgically recall the period when the club was under his leadership.
And what about Nice?
Marseille of course, but the other significant share of the GHM pie also includes the titles from the Azur and Corsican regions (Nice Matin, Var Matin, Corse Matin, and Monaco Matin). Here too, it’s not easy to speculate about the relationships between the new leader of the local press and various local officials. However, it’s clear that the arrival of the businessman, along with his ideas and plans, could turn Nice and its press titles into major beneficiaries of the operation. Free subscriptions or strong partnerships with significant local events (Cannes Festival, major sporting events, major cultural happenings…) are some of the first gifts proposed in the sack of a Santa Claus that certain unions would have preferred to do without.
But, with the holiday season upon us, everyone is preparing to end the year as best as possible, with a rendezvous set for Tuesday, January 1st, for a new year that is likely to be eventful, in every sense of the word, and where some will resolve simply not to trip over… Tapie!
