Lagardere leans toward fictive TV

Pathe products include 'Casanova,' 'Crimes'

By ALISON JAMES

PARIS -- Lagardere Media is poised to take a major stake in French major Pathe's TV production division, a Pathe spokesperson said Monday.

"We are in advanced negotiations toward a partnership," the spokesperson said, adding, "With the globalization of TV production, Lagardere is well-placed to back Pathe's TV production activities."

Deal concerns Pathe Television's fiction department, which will produce 20 hours of programming in 2001. Products include the miniseries "Casanova" and the series' "Crimes and Sentiments" and "Pepe Carvalho."

Pact would be the latest example of the Lagardere group's ongoing push into the French media biz. Its interests include digital TV, radio and magazine publishing.