ITV has confirmed it is in talks with Sky over the possible a sale of its broadcasting arm worth £1.6 billion.
The group, which is behind hit shows such as I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! and Love Island, said there was no certainty over the terms of any possible sale of its media and entertainment division.
It said a further announcement will be made “in due course if appropriate”.
In a statement to the London Stock Exchange, ITV said: “ITV plc (“ITV”) notes the recent press speculation and confirms that it is in preliminary discussions regarding a possible sale of its M&E business to Sky for an enterprise value of £1.6bn.
“There can be no certainty as to the terms upon which any potential sale may be agreed or whether any transaction will take place. A further announcement will be made in due course if appropriate.”
It comes after reports late on Thursday revealed Sky owner Comcast was holding discussions with ITV over a possible deal to buy the public service broadcaster’s media and entertainment arm, which includes its terrestrial TV channels and streaming service ITVX.
But the sale would not include ITV’s production arm, ITV Studios, which makes shows including I’m A Celebrity and the popular drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office, which has also been the subject of previous sale speculation.
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