In May 1998, Compagnie Générale des Eaux decided to change its name under the impetus of its new chairman of 2 years, Jean-Marie Messier. The group was looking for a more international name, one that would break away from the company’s historical activities in the water sector and move closer to communications and entertainment.
The agency was asked to assist in this search and to verify its use at the international level.
Derived from the Latin vivere (“to live”) and found in the phrase modus vivendi (“way of life”), Vivendi evokes life and liveliness in everyday life.
