Archive · 7 Nov 2025
ITV Confirms Preliminary Talks with Sky Over $2.1B Sale of Networks Arm
A big TV company in the UK called ITV is talking about selling a big part of its business to another company called Sky.
Sky is already owned by a larger American company called Comcast.
This part of ITV that might be sold includes its main TV channels and its streaming service called ITVX.
The deal could be worth about $2.1 billion.
ITV has said these are just early talks and nothing is certain yet.
The company is looking to save money because the economy isn't doing great, and fewer people are advertising on TV.
Selling this part of the business could help ITV make more money or cut costs.
If the sale goes through, it would create a very large TV business in the UK, combining what ITV has with what Sky already owns.
UK network ITV is in preliminary discussions with Sky, owned by Comcast, regarding a potential sale of its Media & Entertainment business.
The potential sale is for an enterprise value of £1.6 billion ($2.1 billion).
ITV confirmed the talks following press speculation, stating that no certainty exists regarding the terms or completion of any transaction.
ITV's M&E business has been seeking an additional £35 million in cost savings due to a softening British economy and a downturn in TV advertising.
Comcast, already owning Sky and various production companies, would significantly expand its UK broadcasting presence if the deal proceeds, pending regulatory approval.
- Who
- UK network ITV and Comcast's Sky
- What
- ITV has confirmed it is in preliminary discussions for a potential sale of its Media & Entertainment business to Sky for £1.6B ($2.1B).
- When
- Preliminary discussions are ongoing; a statement was made this morning.
- Where
- United Kingdom
- Why
- ITV is seeking cost savings due to a softening economy and advertising downturn, while Comcast/Sky aims to expand its UK broadcasting presence.
ITV's Position
Market Conditions & Potential Buyer
Sale of Media & Entertainment Business
ITV's Position
ITV has confirmed it is in preliminary discussions for a possible sale of its M&E business to Sky for an enterprise value of £1.6B ($2.1B).
Market Conditions & Potential Buyer
Comcast, through its ownership of Sky, is the potential buyer for ITV's networks, streaming business (ITVX), and linear channels, aiming to create a powerful UK broadcasting entity. Other major U.S. studios have also shown interest in ITV's broadcasting arm.
Financial Context
ITV's Position
ITV is seeking additional cost savings of £35M at its M&E business due to a "softening" British economy and a downturn in TV advertising.
Market Conditions & Potential Buyer
The TV advertising downturn has impacted all major European commercial broadcasters, leading them to explore new revenue streams. ITV's production wing, ITV Studios, has also been subject to takeover speculation.
- Potential Sale Price (Enterprise Value)
- £1.6B ($2.1B)
- Potential Buyer
- Sky (owned by Comcast)
- ITV's Business Unit for Sale
- Media & Entertainment (M&E) business, including main ITV network, linear channels, and ITVX streaming.
- ITV's Cost Saving Measures
- Seeking an additional £35M in savings at the M&E business.
- Comcast's Previous Acquisition
- Acquired Sky in 2018 for approximately £30B.
- Reason for Market Downturn
- Softening British economy and TV advertising downturn.
