Founded in 1853 by a succession of acquisitions and divestitures, Compagnie Ge´ ne´ rale des Eaux became a huge diversified conglomerate. It renamed itself Vivendi in July 2000, Vivendi Universal in...

Founded in 1853 by a succession of acquisitions and divestitures, Compagnie Ge´ ne´ rale des Eaux became a huge diversified conglomerate. It renamed itself Vivendi in July 2000, Vivendi Universal in December 2000 and back to Vivendi in April 2006 (still its name as of 2012). Over which of the following periods would a trend analysis of its income statement make sense (a) 1853–2012 (b) 2006–2012 (c) 2000–2006 (d) 2009–2012 (e) None of the suggested periods