Speaking after the publication of Bertelsmann's 2008 financial results, Thomas Rabe, the company's chief financial officer, said: "We don't think Five in its current form is sustainable and that a transformation of the business or consolidation is necessary."
In his Digital Britain report earlier this year, Communications Minister Lord Carter proposed that, to secure its future, Channel 4 should be at the core of a new enlarged provider of public service broadcasting. The report suggested a merger, or some other form of tie-up between Channel 4 and BBC Worldwide could underpin this new public service broadcaster.
In recent weeks, Five has launched a bid to gain support for its plan to merge with Channel 4 - as a potential basis for this enlarged PSB entity - although Channel 4 is opposed to such a move.
Rabe added: "Everybody agrees that there will be further consolidation in the UK TV market and we are deeply convinced we will be part of it. There is no doubt that in consolidation, Channel Five will have a value."
Bertelsmann also said it was open to a merger between Five and ITV, adding: "A combination of Five and ITV: everybody can agree this does make sense, if we could agree terms and conditions."
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