European broadcaster linked to ITV buy-out

Cable group NTL’s plans for a takeover of commercial broadcaster ITV were today facing potential competition from the owner of UK channel Five.

RTL, which is Europe’s largest broadcaster, is reportedly working with private equity firms on a possible £5bn (€7.4bn) offer for ITV.

Regulatory and financing issues mean RTL would be forced to sell Five if it was successful bidding for ITV, today’s report in the Financial Times said.

NTL put ITV in the takeover spotlight last week, when it said it had approached the struggling broadcaster about a potential merger.