March 2 (Reuters) - Australian pay-TV operator Foxtel has talked to rival Austar's main shareholder, Liberty Global , about a potential takeover offer, Austar said on Wednesday, amid reports it was the target of a potential $2 billion bid.
The news comes amid a shake-up in Australia's media sector. Below is list of recent merger, acquisition and management changes:
- Ten Network Holdings
The television broadcaster said on Wednesday that media mogul James Packer had resigned from its board. It also announced the appointment of new CEO James Warburton as part of a management shake-up after suddenly sacking its existing boss in February.
- West Australian Newspaper Holdings , Seven Media
WAN said last week it has agreed to buy Seven Media Group from Seven Group Holdings for $2 billion, in a deal forged by tycoon Kerry Stokes that will create Australia's biggest media company.
- Southern Cross Media , Austereo Australian broadcaster Southern Cross Media in January unveiled a cash offer for radio group Austereo worth up to $736 million.
- Nine Entertainment
Private equity firm CVC is planning a $5 billion float of television network Nine later this year. A source told Reuters in January that CVC has appointed Credit Suisse , Goldman Sachs and UBS to advise on the possible IPO of Nine, which could be the biggest in Australia since the listing of Telstra Corp in 1997.
(Compiled by Dhara Ranasinghe; Editing by Ed Davies)