Qatari investor backs shareholder push for Lagardere board changes

Qatari investor backs shareholder push for Lagardere board changes

PARIS - Qatar's sovereign wealth fund has called for fair board representation for all big shareholders in French media and publishing group Lagardere, echoing demands from investors such as activist Amber Capital for a shake-up at the group.Lagardere, under fire for years from Amber over its governance and performance, has since become embroiled in a broader shareholder tussle involving some of France's richest businessmen, who are seeking to influence its strategy.Qatar Holding, a subsidiary of Qatar Investment Authority and Lagardere's third biggest investor with 13%, said in a statement late on Tuesday that it considered it "legitimate that all significant shareholders be fairly represented."The fund's rare public incursion in the increasingly bitter spat surrounding Lagardere, the owner of Paris Match, comes after demands by Amber and media group Vivendi, now