Investors circle ITV

Interest in acquiring BSkyB's 17.9% stake in ITV is growing ahead of a ruling from the Competition Commission.

If the watchdog rules that BSkyB must reduce its stake in the commercial broadcaster to less than 7.5%, it is understood that the pay-TV operator will sell its entire holding.

Media companies believed to have begun talks with ITV include Endemol, Five-owner RTL, and US network NBC, according to a report in the Observer. Other interested parties are thought to include Haim Saban and Italian group Mediaset.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Endemol co-founder John De Mol said he would not rule out a bid for the company.

Source: Broadcast Now