John Malone’s US media and telecoms group Liberty Global has sold about half of its 10% stake in UK broadcaster ITV for a reported £135m.
Over the past year, ITV has been at the centre of takeover speculation, with Liberty Global often cited as a potential buyer.
Liberty Global’s decision to sell part of its stake in ITV caused the broadcaster’s share price to fall sharply, down around 10%.
ITV’s share price has been under pressure for several years, as a result of increased competition from global streamers such as Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+, as well as a weak advertising market.
The broadcaster’s share price has fallen more than 70% since Liberty Global increased its stake in the media company in 2015.
The Colorado-based telecommunications firm first took an ITV stake in 2014 from pay-TV broadcaster Sky for £481m and increased it the following year – to 9.9% from 6.4%.
Liberty said in a statement: “As stated in our Q1 2025 earnings, we’re actively managing our Liberty Growth portfolio, disposing of certain assets while prioritising our scale-based investments. As part of that process, we are divesting part of our stake in ITV.”
Banijay reportedly entered early-stage talks to buy ITV in April 2025. Discover more here.
Analysts say Banijay All3 merger is "bang on trend"
Banijay Group and RedBird IMI have agreed to merge Banijay Entertainment and All3Media to create a global media and entertainment company called Banijay.
Paramount plans to combine HBO Max and Paramount+
Paramount+ and HBO Max will be merged into one streaming service, according to David Ellison, CEO of Paramount.
Tilly Norwood creator makes key hire amid plans to ramp up business
Tilly Norwood AI talent studio Xicoia – founded by Particle6 CEO Eline van der Velden – has made its first major hire, bringing in former Amazon Prime Video executive Mark Whelan as Head of Strategy and Operations.
Winter Olympic Games 2026 is most-watched ever for European broadcasters
The Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina have achieved strong results for European public service broadcasters.
Jonathan Allan to step down from Channel 4
Channel 4’s interim Chief Executive Jonathan Allan is to leave the organisation after 15 years.
