Telefonica and Mediaset to take over Sogecable?
October 7, 2009
From David Del Valle in Madrid
Telefonica and Berlusconi-controlled Mediaset may join forces to acquire Sogecable, owner of pay-TV platform Digital Plus and commercial TV channel Cuatro, say reports in Spain.
The Italian TV group would be looking to integrate Cuatro with Tele 5, controlled by Mediaset and currently leading the audience ratings.
Sogecable has been put up for sale by owner Prisa in an attempt to tackle a E5 billion debt. Previous negotiations with Telefonica and Vivendi to acquire the company failed as Prisa refused to take less than E2.5 billion for its pay-TV unit.