Lazard Ltd.unit Lazard Asset Management LLCacquired a 5.1% holding in Italianbroadcaster Mediaset Group,Telecompaper reported July 20, citing a filing with Italian markets regulatorConsob.

The share acquisition could signal a closer relationshipbetween Mediaset and Vivendi SA,according to the report, citing La Stampa.The French media group earlier Mediaset's pay TV unitMediaset Premium as part of a stake swap deal.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.