CKx Ends Sale Discussions

NEW YORK: CKx, the parent company of 19 Entertainment that was being eyed by former chief Robert Sillerman, Simon Fuller and several private-equity firms, has taken itself off the auction block.

A statement from the firm, which also owns the rights to the image and likeness of Elvis Presley, Muhammad Ali and proprietary rights to Idols, said in a statement, "While the board was contacted by a number of potential parties and received and reviewed several expressions of interest in an acquisition of the company or a controlling interest in the company, the board did not receive any proposals that it felt were in the best interests of shareholders. Accordingly, the board determined to discontinue discussions and intends to continue to operate the company on a stand-alone basis."

Michael G. Ferrel, CEO, added, "With the conclusion of sale discussions, we are excited to continue driving growth through our terrific set of core assets and improving the overall profitability of the company. We look forward to building on the major progress we have already made in our restructuring of 19 Entertainment and creating value for our shareholders."