Astro joins Virgin Radio bidding race

MALAYSIAN pay-TV operator Astro All Asia Networks has reportedly joined the bidding race to buy radio station Virgin Radio from Glasgow-based media group SMG.

Astro is part of the business empire of Malaysian billionaire Ananda Krishnan.

It is understood to be competing with three other bidders — of Global Radio, Absolute Radio and Belfast-based UTV Media. Virgin Radio is valued at about €113.5 million.

The deadline for the latest round of bidding falls around the middle of next month.