Forced Resignation, and Dispute Over Apartment
Messier was forced to resign from his position with Vivendi in July 2002, after the company posted a non-cash loss of 13.6 billion euro ($US 11.8 billion) during 2001. During his time as CEO of Vivendi, Messier used corporate funds to buy a $17.5 million apartment for his personal use at 515 Park Avenue at 60th Street in New York City, the swank Arthur Zeckendorf development that was home to luminaries such as Senator Jon Corzine. After he was fired, Messier tried to claim the apartment as part of his severance package, but was rebuffed. Messier then relocated to New York City to work as a business consultant.
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