The Polish commercial channel TVN, owned by Warner Bros Discovery, is attracting significant interest, with at least three known bidders competing for its acquisition. The sale is expected to garner over $1 billion.
Among the bidders is MediaForEurope (MFE), controlled by the Berlusconi family. However, MFE's interest is limited to the free-to-air business. Another contender is Polish businessman Michal Solowow, whose diverse business portfolio encompasses chemicals and energy sectors.
Adding complexity to this high-stakes acquisition is the involvement of TVN's news channels, TVN24 and TVN24BiS. These channels operate 24/7, raising concerns among Polish authorities regarding potential interference in the upcoming May General Elections. This concern stems from the Polish government's December decision to classify TVN as a strategic company, requiring government approval for any takeover.
Reuters initially reported another bidder: WP Holding, which reportedly submitted a joint bid with an entity potentially linked to Rafal Brzoska, chief executive of InPost. However, Brzoska denies InPost's involvement.