Lachlan Murdoch targets half of Packer's Ten stake
Lachlan Murdoch is reported to be seeking half of James Packer's new stake in Network Ten (ASX: TEN.AU).
Reports said that the son of media mogul Rupert Murdoch is also in discussions to acquire 50 per cent of Packer's 17.88 per cent newly acquired shareholdings in Ten.
According to a well-placed source familiar with the discussions, an 80 per cent probability that. Murdoch's company Illyria will buy the said stake at a cost still being negotiated by the two parties.
A report of the Sydney Morning Herald and news.com.au quoted the unnamed source that the discussion is centered on the price offer.
Sources close to Murdoch this morning confirmed a report in The Daily Telegraph that the News Corporation director was considering purchasing half of Packer's 18 per cent stake in the free-to-air television broadcaster.
If priced at $1.50 per share, Murdoch will be spending $13.5 million for this bid.
Last week, acker's controversial acquisition of Ten shares has drawn the scrutiny of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
In a related report on ninemsn Ten Network executive chairman. Nick Falloon said they welcome the interest of. Packer in the network.
''We welcome their interest in our company and a return to the free-to-air industry," Mr Falloon said.
''We do not propose to speculate on what has been in the newspapers.''
Ten yesterday announced a full year net profit of $150 million, a reversal from last year's $89 million net loss.