Murdoch linked to Endemol bid

Rupert Murdoch's News Corp is interested in making a bid for Endemol, according to a Spanish newspaper report.

Rupert Murdoch's News Corp is interested in making a bid for Endemol, according to a Spanish newspaper report.

La Gaceta de los Negocios claims that Murdoch is mulling over a potential offer for Telefónica's 75% stake in the production company, which makes Big Brother.

The former Spanish prime minister Jose Maria Aznar is advising News Corp on the purchase, the paper said.

Media analysts at Credit Suisse said: ' News Corp's global broadcast network makes them a more credible bidder than a national broadcaster given the large distribution network they boast to exploit Endemol's content over.'

The news follows claims that John De Mol and Disney are in talks about placing a joint bid for Endemol. See link below.

There is also likely to be a bid from Endemol's current management involving chief creative officer Peter Bazalgette and chief operating officer Tom Barnicoat.

Endemol France chief Stéphane Courbit is also thought to have put together an offer. The remaining bids are understood to be from private equity groups.

Bidders are expecting to hear back from Telefónica in February and a deal is likely to be sealed before the end of March.