Story from ESPN F1
A fortnight ago reports suggested News Corporation and Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim were looking to launch a co-bid, but the announcement yesterday by Exor seems to have circumvented that.
"Exor, one of Europe's largest listed investment companies, and News Corporation, the global media group, confirm that they are in the early stages of exploring the possibility of creating a consortium with a view to formulating a long-term plan for the development of Formula One in the interests of the participants and the fans," read the statement.
"Over the coming weeks and months, Exor and News Corporation will approach potential minority partners and key stakeholders in the sport. There can be no certainty that this will lead to an approach to Formula One's current owners."
The current ownership structure of Formula One's commercial rights is complex but the majority is owned by CVC Capital Partners and it is run by Bernie Ecclestone. Ecclestone maintained that a sale was unlikely unless News Corporation and Exor were willing to pay over the odds.
"You would think if somebody wanted to buy it they would approach the people who own it to see if they want to sell it," he told the Guardian. "Personally, I know CVC don't want to sell, so it's going to be a bit difficult. I can see CVC in for the long haul, absolutely, 100%.
"If somebody came along and offered them a lot more money than it's worth, they would obviously say: 'Sit down, let's have a chat.' But I get the distinct feeling that's not going to happen. I can't understand why a company as big as News Corp need to keep looking for partners. First it was Carlos Slim, and now we've a new one."
CVC, which purchased its holding for £1.8 billion in 2006, confirmed that it has been approached, with Rupert Murdoch's son James the News Corp representative.
"CVC can confirm that it has recently received an approach from the EXOR News Corporation consortium," a spokesman said. "James Murdoch has informed us that the approach is friendly, at a very preliminary stage, and that they acknowledge that Formula One is privately owned by CVC and not currently for sale.
"CVC recognises the quality of Exor and News Corporation as potential investors, but any investment in Formula One will require CVC's agreement and will need to demonstrate that it is in the interest of the sport and its stakeholders, taken as a whole."
Exor, which is listed on the Borsa Italiana, is a major shareholder in Fiat Group, the car manufacturer that owns the Ferrari, Maserati and Alfa Romeo brands. It also owns 60% of Juventus.
© ESPN EMEA Ltd.
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