RTL, the German media group, is apparently working with private equity backers on a possible £5 billion bid for ITV.
The RTL bid, according to today’s
Financial Times, would see private equity groups putting forward most of the funds needed to acquire ITV.
A deal structured in this way would enable RTL to acquire a minority stake in the broadcaster without calling on Bertelsmann, its parent company, to fund the deal.
The rumoured RTL bid comes shortly after NTL announced that it is to hold talks with ITV about a potential merger (see NTL Telewest Could Merge With ITV).
The potential NTL/ITV merger could though see the Office of Fair trading get involved if it progresses, as the OFT could see the combined entity as lessening competition (see OFT Could Intervene In NTL/ITV Merger).
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