Simon Fuller Makes Bid for CKx

NEW YORK: Simon Fuller is leading a consortium of investors that has made a bid for CKx, the company that owns 19 Entertainment, which was founded by the American Idol creator.

In addition to 19—which it acquired from Fuller in 2005—CKx owns the rights to the name, image and likeness of Elvis Presley and the operations of Graceland, among other assets. Fuller left 19 at the beginning of this year to start a new entertainment venture, while signing a deal with CKx to executive produce and provide overall global executive direction to American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance.

CKx’s board is evaluating the proposal from Fuller, which press reports indicate is priced at $600 million. Buyout plans are also said to be in the works by One Equity Partners in tandem with former CKx chief Robert Sillerman. Sillerman and Fuller had attempted to take control of CKx in 2007.