Chris Forrester, on 31-08-2008

Germany’s giant media group Bertelsmann is widely reported to be selling up to 15% of its 90% RTL stake, signalling – say some – a move onto ITV, the UK commercial network. The RTL disposal would raise around €1.5bn.

Bertelsmann, under its new CEO Hartmut Ostrowski, has been trimming off some subsidiaries, including selling half of its Sony BMG business to Sony itself. However the RTL reduction is seen more as a result of Bertelsmann’s lack of progress in buying out the RTL minority shareholders. Luxembourg, where RTL is headquartered, has forbidden any further activity in RTL until mid-2009.

Mr Ostrowski is on record as saying that he could imagine "further expanding" RTL's Fremantle production company, which is a programme-making rival to ITV, but says he feels "no pressure" to make a big move soon. Some observers suggest that Bertelsmann might well be looking closer at Central and Eastern Europe TV businesses, and a move into these regions was “more likely”.

If this is the case it could be that CME (Central & European Media Enterprises), where cosmetics heir Ron Lauder holds a 64% voting share, could well be the target.

Source: Rapid TV News 2008

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