Nothing concentrates the mind like a suitor in the wings. After ITV PLC (LSE:ITV) last week confirmed Comcast is in talks to buy the UK broadcaster's Media & Entertainment arm (the broadcast and streaming bit), UBS ran the numbers on what that could mean, while keeping a cool head and a 'sell' rating with a 12-month target of 72p, 7p lower than the current price.
Confirmation from ITV PLC (LSE:ITV) on Friday morning that it is in talks with Sky about the possible sale of its broadcast arm sent the shares surging and reignited speculation about a long-awaited break-up of the group. Analysts said offloading the slower-growth Media & Entertainment division, as is being discussed, could create substantial value for shareholders, but warned of likely regulatory hurdles.
ITV PLC (LSE:ITV) has confirmed that it is in preliminary talks about potentially selling its broadcast television business to Sky. It said the discussions are currently about a possible offer at an enterprise value of £1.6 billion for its Media & Entertainment business, which includes online streaming service ITVX.
| Media Industry | Communication Services Sector | Ms. Carolyn J. McCall DBE CEO | OTC PINK Exchange | GB0033986497 ISIN |
| GB Country | 6,133 Employees | 11 Apr 2025 Last Dividend | - Last Split | - IPO Date |
ITV plc stands as a robust integrated production, broadcasting, and streaming entity that operates internationally, fabricating, owning, and distributing content across a plethora of platforms. The company, founded in 1955 and headquartered in London, the United Kingdom, maneuvers through its two primary segments: ITV Studios and Media & Entertainment. ITV Studios is dedicated to the creation and production of a diverse range of programs and formats, spanning sports, drama, entertainment, factual content, and news for both its channels and other broadcasters globally. Meanwhile, the Media & Entertainment segment focuses on the broadcasting and streaming of content through an array of free-to-air TV channels and online platforms, alongside offering television advertising services.
This segment is known for its extensive creation and production operations. It develops programs and formats including sports, drama, entertainment, factual, and news content for ITV’s own channels and for other broadcasters worldwide. ITV Studios also boasts status as a leading unscripted independent producer in the United States and produces content for local broadcasters and international over-the-top (OTT) platforms in countries such as Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark. Additionally, ITV Studios engages in the international licensing of its finished programmes and formats, along with third-party content, and participates in financing productions.
This segment is responsible for the broadcasting and streaming of various content on ITV’s family of free-to-air TV channels. It provides television advertising services, allowing businesses to reach a wide audience through ITV’s platforms. Furthermore, the segment delivers content through linear television broadcasting, as well as on digital platforms such as the ITV Hub, BritBox UK, ITVX, catch-up services on pay platforms, and through direct content deals. It also offers online advertising, HD digital channel services on pay platforms, and ITV Premium subscription services, catering to a diverse range of viewer preferences and needs.