NTL Telewest Could Merge With ITV

NTL Telewest has confirmed that it will shortly enter discussions with ITV regarding a possible merger of the two broadcasters.

In a statement released to the London Stock Exchange, the cable giant said: “NTL confirms that it has advised ITV of its interest in exploring a possible combination transaction and has scheduled in an initial conversation with ITV to that end. This process is at a very preliminary stage and there is no assurance that these discussions will lead to any offer being made for ITV.”

If successful, the move would lead to further speculation that former Ofcom chief executive Stephen Carter, formerly a managing director of NTL, would be the most likely candidate to head up ITV as its new chief executive (see ITV Board To Review Chief Exec Shortlist This Week). It would also create the UK’s largest broadcasting force, and help ITV with its advance into new digital territories.

Earlier this week, the newly merged NTL Telewest and Virgin Mobile said that it was set to re-brand as Virgin Media in the first quarter of 2007, as it unveiled a Q3 operating loss of £9.6 million (see NTL To Become Virgin Media Early Next Year).

ITV: 020 7843 8000 www.itv.com Telewest: 0845 142 0000 www.telewest.co.uk