Capital Radio Prepares Border TV Bid

It is believed that Capital Radio is to table a rival bid for Border TV this week. Border has already rejected an offer from Scottish Radio Holdings, saying the bid failed to recognise value within the company (see Border Seeks Alternatives To Hostile Scottish Radio Bid).

The offer from Capital would be expected to be more than £125m. This was the market valuation of Border at close of trade on Friday and is in excess of the valuation of Scottish Radio Holding’s offer. Capital is not the only rival thought to be in the running – Chrysalis is regarded as a favourite – although Border has refused to comment beyond confirming the approach of “a number of other parties.”

Capital’s main interest in Border is likely to centre on the radio stations operating under the successful Century brand. Should Capital’s bid go ahead and be accepted, the fate of Border TV, which is the last independent UK franchise, is not clear. It is thought that Capital would either sell it to Granada or Scottish Media Group, or contract it to one of the ITV companies.

Capital Radio were not available for comment when contacted by Newsline today.

Border TV: 01228 525 101 Capital Radio: 020 7766 6000