ITV PLC (LSE:ITV) has reportedly emerged as a takeover target of a string of potential suitors, while the board has also been looking at a potentially selling off half of the business.
CVC Capital Partners, RedBird Capital-owned All3Media, Mediawan and a major French broadcaster, thought to be Groupe TF1, are among firms weighing up potential bids, according to Sky News.
Industry sources cited by Sky said firms had held early discussions over a potential bid, but that the broadcaster had not recently been approached formally.
A sale could involve all or part of ITV’s business, with All3Media and Mediawan said to be eyeing an offer for the ITV Studios production arm.
Another possible plan could see the studio wing taken over by CVC, while a European partner buys the broadcasting division, which includes online streaming service ITVX.
ITV chief executive Carolyn McCall was reported to have been in discussions with advisors over a demerger of the company’s two main units.
Shares in ITV have come under pressure recently and are down 14.4% over the past six months.
“At the right price, it would make sense if CVC wanted the undervalued production business, with TF1 wanting an English language streaming service in ITVX,” a Sky source said.