Sony joins race for All3Media

Sony is said to be the latest firm interested in snapping up global production house All3Media.

According to reports, Sony is considering tabling an offer of at least £600m (US$988m) for the production house, which is responsible for shows including Hollyoaks.

However, a source told C21 that All3Media is seeking “£750m-plus” for a sale of its assets, and would not consider an offer as low as £600m.

A Sony representative declined to comment on the firm’s reported interest in All3Media. However, the source told C21 that the firm could prove a logical fit.

Time Warner is also said to be interested in a bid, while NBC Universal and ITV are also rumoured to be eyeing the firm.

All3Media appointed investment bank UBS to explore strategic options for the business, including a possible sale, last month.

Shareholders in the privately held company are yet to make a decision about the future, though they are erring towards “some sort of change in the shareholder structure,” with a sale more likely than not, C21 has learned.

All3Media is expected to make a decision about its next course of action by June or July. No formal offers are thought to have yet been put forward.

Speculation about All3Media’s future began last year amid claims that private equity firm Permira, which holds just over 50% of the business, is planning an exit in 2011.