ITV Could Bid For Pearl & Dean

ITV is attempting to acquire the cinema advertising business Pearl & Dean, which is being sold by SMG, according to reports in the press.

ITV’s main competitor for the business is said to be Clear Channel, with private equity firms also interested in the iconic brand.

ITV currently owns Carlton Screen Advertising which has 75% of the cinema advertising market. Pearl & Dean controls the other 25%.

This means that an ITV bid for the company would be referred to the competition authorities.

SMG announced earlier this month that it would be selling off both Pearl & Dean and its outdoor advertising business, Primesight (see SMG To Sell Pearl & Dean And Primesight)

ITV: 020 7843 8000 www.itv.com SMG: 0141 300 3000 www.smgplc.plc.uk