It's In The News: a central thread

[spankysmagicpian]

I haven't read this anywhere else as yet.

Possible purchase of Setanta.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co....er_speculation

[popper]

US private equity groups are after Virgin Media again.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2...rss&feed=media
Predators target Virgin Media
"
Mark Watts and Richard Wachman
The Observer, Sunday March 9 2008

Richard Branson could scoop $750m if Virgin Media is sold to US private equity groups, which are actively considering launching a takeover bid, despite continuing turmoil in the credit markets.

According to a private document entitled 'Project Coaxial' - seen by The Observer - Blackstone, Cinven, KKR and Providence Equity are prepared to offer $6bn to $7.5bn for the company, in which Branson's Virgin group holds a 10.5 per cent share.

The proposals suggest the predators are ready to take advantage of Virgin Media's weak share price, which slipped to $14 last week.....
...
Advisers to the private equity consortium's advisers state in the document that 'we believe the Virgin Media board may consider a proposal, depending on premium paid'.

The advisers provide analysis for bid prices ranging from $17 to $22, but the report says nothing explicit about the timetable.
"

[Toto]

Originally Posted by popper

US private equity groups are after Virgin Media again.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2...rss&feed=media
Predators target Virgin Media
"
Mark Watts and Richard Wachman
The Observer, Sunday March 9 2008

Richard Branson could scoop $750m if Virgin Media is sold to US private equity groups, which are actively considering launching a takeover bid, despite continuing turmoil in the credit markets.

According to a private document entitled 'Project Coaxial' - seen by The Observer - Blackstone, Cinven, KKR and Providence Equity are prepared to offer $6bn to $7.5bn for the company, in which Branson's Virgin group holds a 10.5 per cent share.

The proposals suggest the predators are ready to take advantage of Virgin Media's weak share price, which slipped to $14 last week.....
...
Advisers to the private equity consortium's advisers state in the document that 'we believe the Virgin Media board may consider a proposal, depending on premium paid'.

The advisers provide analysis for bid prices ranging from $17 to $22, but the report says nothing explicit about the timetable.
"

Internesting.

we believe the Virgin Media board may consider a proposal, depending on premium paid

Wonder what the proposal is?

There isn't any cheap money out there, and the VM board will know that. They could decide to sell at around $20US a share, but given that the last talk of a buyout saw the shares leap to $30US, they may be reluctant to sell for less than that. The company's share price doesn't reflect is current performance, its more to do with the overall markets at the moment I believe.

Nice find popper.

EDIT: Should be interesting to watch VM's share price tomorrow and the next few days.

[popper]

ohh yeah, i forgot about that "the last talk of a buyout saw the shares leap to $30US..."and didnt look back at this thread LOL.

i havent kept track of the shares so dont really know what to expect but your probably right about the $20 price mark, perhaps a little lower, if the talk of more real cash is on the table, plus more sweetners and sundrys etc.

"One analyst said: 'Perhaps these groups are prepared to bankroll a transaction by using a greater cash sum than is usually the case.'"

another (and perhaps related and effecting their choices regarding the above)story.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/mai...nvirgin109.xml
"
Sky row hits Virgin Media bonuses


By Juliette Garside

Last Updated: 12:03am GMT 09/03/2008

Virgin Media's senior executives will miss out on bonuses worth up to 75 per cent of their salary,....
....
Neil Berkett, who was promoted to chief executive last week, missed out on a bonus equal to 100 per cent of his base salary of £450,000.

Malcolm Wall, chief executive of Virgin Media's content division, who signed up on a salary of £350,000 a year in 2006, was among the executives who lost out on a 75 per cent bonus.

He gave up the right to stock options worth £290,000.
....
"

[popper]

Originally Posted by Mr Angry

Let the battle commence.

i wonder if you still read the CF threads since you moved ISP these days MrA, i assume this will find its way to your email notification box and wondered if you might have some comments for the Phorm thread

i must try and find some news werthy comments for this old thread.....sometime.

[Incognitas]

Originally Posted by popper

i wonder if you still read the CF threads since you moved ISP these days MrA, i assume this will find its way to your email notification box and wondered if you might have some comments for the Phorm thread

i must try and find some news werthy comments for this old thread.....sometime.

He's been around lurking, just not posting.

[Fingy]

Originally Posted by Incognitas

He's been around lurking, just not posting.

I was talking to him a few weeks ago, all is well with him and the Angry clan, just very busy.