Vivendi Looks to Shed Debt
Houghton Mifflin on the Block
Paris-based Vivendi Universal SA grew fast amidst a two-year buying spree by former chairman Jean-Marie Messier. Unfortunately, so did the company's debt. Messier was subsequently fired in July, and on August 14, Messier's replacement, Jean-Rene Fourtou, announced that the company is looking to shed some of its 19 billion euros in debt: First on the block -- U.S. publishing giant Houghton Mifflin.
The 2002 Southeast Booksellers Association (SEBA) Fall Trade Show will be held this year at the Broward County Convention Center in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, from September 20-22. SEBA Executive Director Wanda Jewell told BTW that there was once again an emphasis on education and event programming that showcased a wide range of authors. And this year, she said, "I feel it's an especially good lineup of authors."