BSkyB is to raise £400m through a bond issue, the company announced yesterday.

The offer, which expires November 24, is for ten-year notes with a maturity of 9.5% interest.

In a statement the broadcaster said it would use the net proceeds for "general corporate purposes".

It added: "In addition, the company may use the proceeds for the refinancing of existing debt and for acquisitions of business and/or assets in support of its strategy."

Sky has recently been linked with a potential bid for Talk Talk, the telecoms operational arm of Carphone Warehouse.