Report: Greece’s Antenna Eyes Five Bid

LONDON/ATHENS: Greece’s Antenna Group is said to be working with John de Mol’s Cyrte Investments and Talpa Media on a bid for Five, according to the FT.

Antenna is led by Theo Kyriakou, who as of last year reported to have a 2 billion euros war chest for European acquisitions. He has since acquired Serbia’s Fox Televisija from News Corporation.

The FT notes that Five’s chief executive and advisers to the RTL Group have met with a number of potential buyers, but no announcement is expected for a few weeks. The British broadcaster was hit hard by the ad downturn recession last year, posting a £10 million loss. RTL is said to be looking at a 200 million euros price tag for Five. Other parties said to be interested include ITV, Endemol, Time Warner and Sky.