MFE will ‘surely look at’ Channel 4 acquisition

The Berlusconi-controlled MediaForEurope (MFE) will consider acquiring Channel 4 when it goes on sale, the company’s chief operating officer has said.

Despite consistent backlash and opposition from the general public, UK culture secretary Nadine Dorries is pushing forward with plans to privatise the broadcaster with a price tag set at a reported £2 billion. 

The necessary legislation needs to be passed and bidding is not yet open, but that hasn’t stopped parties from stating their interest.

Speaking this week, MFE CFO Giordani was asked about Channel 4 and said that “when it is put on the block, we will surely look at it.”

Mediaset’s transformation into MFE has seen Italy’s largest private broadcaster look to create a pan-European media network that would be better equipped to compete with major US streaming giants like Disney and Netflix. 

Another reportedly interested party is Hollywood superstar Idris Elba who, according to The Sunday Times, is in talks for a £1 billion bid for Channel 4 along with his business partner Marc Boyan, founder and CEO of The Mimora Group.

Other media companies reportedly interested in Channel 4 includes ITV, Sky and Channel 5 owner Paramount.