Havas is gearing up for a showdown this week as shareholders meet Thursday to consider Vincent Bolloré's request for four seats on the board of the industry's sixth-largest holding company. The French corporate raider triggered speculation about the future of Havas after acquiring a 20 percent stake in the company last year. Havas' board is urging investors to veto Bolloré's demand, citing his unwillingness to offer the Paris-based company specifics about his intent. But late last week, the dissident investor —known to shake up management at underperforming companies—said in an interview published in Le Monde that his interest in Havas is long term and he does not plan to take control of the company.