ITV jumps on reports of potential takeover interest

Investing.com -- Shares in ITV (LON:ITV ), the UK’s largest terrestrial commercial broadcaster, have jumped on Monday amid growing speculation about a potential takeover. 

The broadcaster’s stock climbed by more than 8%, following reports that several high-profile investors and companies had begun exploring the possibility of acquiring all or parts of the business. 

As per media reports, discussions are still in the early stages, with no formal takeover bids yet in play.

Among the potential suitors are CVC Capital Partners (WA:CPAP ), a prominent private equity firm, and Groupe TF1, France’s leading broadcasting company. Both are reportedly assessing the feasibility of a deal that could see ITV’s broadcasting and production arms split or sold separately. 

RedBird Capital, the parent company of All3Media, and Mediawan, which is backed by the private equity giant KKR, are also mentioned as potential bidders for ITV Studios, the company’s profitable production division.

Despite the renewed interest, industry insiders stress that the situation remains fluid, and none of the parties involved are ready to make public offers. ITV’s board, led by chairman Andrew Cosslett, has not received any unsolicited proposals, and the current talks are not yet at a level that would require disclosure under UK stock market rules. 

As such, while speculation is high, it remains uncertain whether any formal offer will materialize.

ITV’s stock price  has faced a prolonged period of weakness, leading many to question the company’s long-term strategy. 

The broadcaster, which owns popular shows such as Love Island, has seen its market value dip to £2.51 billion, much lower than the value of its individual divisions. 

Some reports even claim that CVC Capital Partners could be particularly interested in ITV Studios, while a European broadcaster such as TF1 could take control of the ITVX streaming platform and the company’s traditional broadcasting assets.

The idea of a split or demerger has reportedly been discussed internally by ITV’s leadership, including CEO Dame Carolyn McCall. 

According to reports, McCall has been in talks with the company’s financial advisers, including Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS ), and Robey Warshaw, to explore options. While some believe that ITV’s diversification into production and digital services has positioned it well for future growth, others argue that the company’s underperforming broadcasting operations may make a sale or restructuring more attractive.

In recent months, ITV has faced challenges, including the aftermath of last year’s strikes by Hollywood writers and actors.

The company also announced that it would seek an additional £20 million in cost savings as it grapples with weaker advertising revenues and a decline in profits at its Studios division. 

Despite these headwinds, ITV has seen strong growth in digital and production, with the Studios division expected to achieve record profits this year.

Despite ITV’s progress in recent years, takeover rumors have been a recurring theme for the broadcaster, which was formed from the merger of Carlton and Granada over two decades ago.

Source: Investing.com