According to recent reports in Le Figaro and the Financial Times, Vivendi, the French utilities and telecoms giant, is in discussions with power generators which may result in it selling part of the equity in Dalkia, its energy services arm. Last month UK based Symonds FM changed its name to Dalkia Workplace Services, emphasising integration with the parent group and links to sister companies Dalkia Energy & Technical Services, Dalkia Utilities Services and Parkersell.

The FT suggests that Vivendi is motivated by the need to procure economical electricity supplies for Dalkia and that both Electricite de France and RWE of Germany are in the frame.

Vivendi moved out of electricity production last year and speaking to the FT, Vivendi Chairman and CEO Jean-Marie Messier said, "Since the start of our withdrawal from the production of electricity, big European energy producers want to strike partnerships with Vivendi Environment and there have been numerous discussions. None of them has led anywhere at this stage in time."

With de-regulation of European energy markets slowly gathering pace, an energy supply capability would be a useful adjunct for an FM company with pan-European ambitions.

Richard Byatt