BSkyB, RTL and Sparrowhawk show interest in Flextech

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by Staff

August 09, 2005

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BSkyB, RTL and Sparrowhawk show interest in Flextech

LONDON - BSkyB, RTL and Hallmark TV owner Sparrowhawk are among the parties that are understood to have expressed an interesting in acquiring Flextech, the content arm of cable operator Telewest.

Bidders have until the end of the first week of September to put in their bids. According to a report in the Financial Times, companies that have expressed an interest have received further information about Flextech, which was sent out late last week.

Last week, BSkyB chief executive James Murdoch said that the group would "have a look" at buying Flextech. Sparrowhawk, headed by former Five chief executive David Elstein, has previously been mentioned in connection with a Flextech bid.

Telewest is selling off the arm as it prepares for a £5.5bn merger with rival cable group NTL. Flextech's channels include Bravo and LivingTV, which shows programmes the top rated 'Alias' and 'Will & Grace' respectively. Flextech also jointly operates the UKTV network of channels with the BBC.

Telewest is reported to be looking for a sum of between £800m and £1bn for Flextech.

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