However it was not clear when the judge would take her decision.

The Italian broadcaster and the French media group could not reach a deal to end their long-running legal dispute before a court hearing on Friday, sources close to the matter said.

(Reporting by Elvira Pollina, writing by Giulio Piovaccari, editing by Francesca Landini)

Stocks treated in this article : Vivendi, Mediaset Espana Comunicacion, S.A., Mediaset, Reach plc