Parry Won’t Make An Offer For ITV

Chairman of Johnston Press, Roger Parry, has said he will not make an offer for ITV, though he remains in the race to be the broadcaster’s new chief executive.

A statement released by Johnston Press today said: “Further to recent press statements, Roger Parry announces that he has no intention to make an offer for ITV.”

However, the statement also said that he reserved the right to change his mind if there was a “material change in circumstances” such as a takeover bid from another party or ITV putting itself up for sale.

Parry was not the only potential bidder believed to be circling the troubled broadcaster, with earlier reports stating that potential approaches could come from Lord Hollick, the former chief executive of United Business Media, who could be backed by private equity company KKR.

Parry could still be a frontrunner to take Charles Allen’s old job, having previously declared an interest in it (see Roger Parry Expresses Interest In ITV Top Job). Other candidates said to have been interested in the role, including Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan and ITV director Mike Clasper, have ruled themselves out of the race (see Channel 4 Head Will Not Step Into Allen’s Shoes).

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