Wendel Investissement, the French listed holding company, has emerged as the favourite buyer for the remaining assets of Editis, the former publishing division of Vivendi Universal acquired by rival Lagardère almost 18 months ago.

Lagardère, the French publishing and aerospace conglomerate which bought Editis for €1.2bn ($1.44bn) in December 2002, said it would hold exclusive talks with Wendel for one week.