BSkyB In Pearson Bid Rumours (Updated since 10:57am)

According to the Independent BSkyB is looking to take control of Pearson, the media and entertainment group.

Reports suggest that BSkyB would have to pay around £6bn to take overall control of the group which owns the FT and Thames Television. Analysts believe that Thames would greatly complement Rupert Murdoch’s existing TV production business and the FT, which maintains a steady, loyal readership, would add another dimension to his newspaper stable. Pearson is widely believed to be keen to hive off its television business in a bid to focus on its books and entertainment businesses.

Update: the stock market has reacted favourably to this takeover speculation. At 3:00pm Pearson had soared 21p to 717.5p though BSkyB dropped slightly, falling 2.5 to 688.5p with the fear that it may be forced to pay over the odds for a complete takeover of the Pearson group.

BSkyB has said that it does not comment on industry speculation.