Viacom, one of the US's largest media groups, is considering offloading its Blockbuster video rental business.
The group currently owns an 86% stake in the retailer, although reports today suggest the Viacom is willing to rid itself of the chain in the wake of massive demand for cheap DVDs players and a change in the habits of consumers from renting to buying products.
According to the reports, Blockbuster still provides a substantial revenue stream for the Viacom group but efforts to sell movies and computer games alongside rental versions have faced stiff competition from large supermarket retailers.
Early rumoured contenders for Viacom's share in the business - valued at around £1.5bn - include US private equity investors Thomas H Lee, Blackstone and Quadrangle.
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