Analysts wait on News Corp before changing BSkyB rating

The proposed News Corp deal for BSkyB will not have an immediate effect on the UK pay-TV operator’s credit rating given that obtaining the relevant regulatory clearances would take considerable time and there is still little indication of the final price News would pay should a deal be agreed, Moody’s said.

The credit ratings agency added that its current rating on Sky is based on certain profit-to-debt ratios and that if these change under News Corp. ownership it could prompt a review by Moody’s analysts.