Mediaset denies reports of Vivendi takeover talks

Italian media company Mediaset has denied reports that it is in talks with Vivendi over a possible deal to sell its pay-television division to the French media company.

The spokesperson told the Reuters news agency that negotiations had not taken place after Italian newspaper Il Corriere della Sera reported that Vivendi had tabled an offer for a majority stake in Mediaset Premium, which is a major sports broadcaster in the country and shows coverage of Italy’s top football division, Serie A.

The newspaper added that the offer had been submitted several days ago, but there is a disagreement over the possible price.

Earlier this month, Vivendi sealed an exclusive carriage deal with pay-television broadcaster beIN Sports France, which has emerged to challenge the media company’s pay-television broadcaster, Canal Plus.