Virgin Media to go private

We woke to the news this morning that Virgin Media is under attack from the private equity brigade.

This from Media Guardian,

"

"Private equity firm Carlyle Group has made a preliminary
offer for cable TV company Virgin Media, in a deal that could reach around $20bn
(£9.95bn), according to reports from the US overnight.
Carlyle is in the
early stages of talks with Virgin Media, the New York Times and Washington Post
reported today, quoting sources familiar with the negotiations."

Reports also state that Richard Branson seems quite happy for the group to go back into private ownership and wishes to retain a stake.The management feel that the company will have a greater growth potential in the private sector.

The Company currently has around 9million customers for its broadband,cable Tv and phone empire and is still embriled in a battle with Sky over the distribution of Tv Channels.