Berlusconi firm exploring bid for Endemol

Mediaset, the television empire founded by former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi, is exploring a possible bid for Big Brother’s Dutch owner Endemol.

Chief financial officer Mario Giordani said it was talking to its Spanish unit Telecino as part of a consortium to bid, but an offer was not ready yet.

Spanish telecoms group Telefonica has put for sale its 75% stake in Endemol, but has not provided a timing for the sale.

Mediaset’s vice-chairman Pier Silvio Berlusconi confirmed the Italian broadcaster would be interested in teaming up with Endemol cofounder John de Mol and Telecinco for an Endemol bid.

“We will be very careful about possible partnerships and the price,” he said.