Philippe Germond, Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Vivendi Universal and Chairman and CEO of Groupe Cegetel, has accepted a proposal from Alcatel to become that company's Chief Operating Officer from January 1, 2003. Until that date, he will continue to head Vivendi Universal's telecommunications division and the senior management team that has lead Groupe Cegetel for several years. Mr. Germond's work has contributed to developing the technical, commercial and financial performance of Groupe Cegetel, which is one of Europe's leading non-incumbent operators.