Virgin Media to sell UKTV stake

UK cable operator Virgin Media has put its 50% stake in digital channel group UKTV up for sale. The move, which has been rumoured for months, will reportedly see investment banks Goldman Sachs and UBS shop for a buyer for the stake over the coming weeks.

UKTV operates 10 channels in the UK including Dave, Gold, Alibi, Eden, Blighty, Yesterday, Home, Really and Good Food.

BBC Worldwide, which owns the remaining 50% in the company, is thought to be the frontrunner for the company as it has first refusal over any sale, although Channel 4 and pay broadcaster BSkyB are also reportedly interested.

This comes two months after Virgin Media sold its channels group Virgin Media Television, which included Living and Bravo, to Sky for £160m (€192m).