Sky, ITV, Endemol 'among Five suitors'

Pan-European media group RTL has reportedly received several expressions of interest in a deal for Five, with potential suitors including Sky, ITV and Endemol.

RTL is widely believed to be mulling over its options going forward for the loss-making broadcaster.

A deal for Five, which could include a complete sale or a commercial partnership, is expected before the end of the year, but no specific deadline has been set.

US media company Time Warner is thought to have joined ITV and Sky in expressing an interest in the terrestrial broadcaster, reports The Guardian.

Big Brother producer Endemol is also said to have thrown its hat in the ring, along with Daily Express owner Richard Desmond, who recently claimed that he has £1bn available for acquisitions.

Another possible option for Five could be a long-rumoured merger with Channel 4. RTL chief executive Gerhard Zeiler is believed to have met with the broadcaster's management in March to discuss options.

Sources indicate that there is no urgency on RTL to reach a deal and any sale would not include Fremantle Media, which owns The X Factor producer Talkback Thames.