Consolidated Media Holdings denies claims it is selling its 25% stake in Foxtel

Consolidated Media Holdings (ASX: CMH) says it is not considering a sale of its 25% stake in pay TV operator Foxtel.

The James Packer controlled media group made the statement in response to media speculation saying: “CMH is not considering a sale of its Foxtel interest”.

CMH also said in a statement it had only been in discussions in regards to a possible control proposal.

“CMH has had very preliminary discussions concerning a possible control proposal. No control proposal or other form of offer has been made to CMH and CMH can give no assurance that a control proposal will be made,” the company said in a statement to the ASX.

CMH, which is controlled by James Packer, says it has retained investment bank UBS to advise only in the event the media company receives a proposal about its Foxtel stake.

“UBS AG has been retained to provide advice to CMH in the event that CMH is required to respond to any proposal that is made,” the company said.

Speculation has been mounting this week that Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation could buy CMH’s stake in Foxtel to add to the media mogul’s matching 25% interest.

The other major shareholder in Foxtel is Telstra, which holds a 50% stake.

COMMENTS