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https://uk.investing.com/news/coronavirus/uk-r-number-estimated-at-0711-pandemic-seen-shrinking-2289969

So the transcript was dated 5th Nov 2020 with a 30% position unwound, so I guess that they have unwound 100% now.

This is good news for ITV shareholders with Goldman Sachs shareholding now down to just 1.47% from over 21%, they have less shares to short and should move on to their next target. I think that this has been holding back ITV for years.

Continues
“ But look, we're going to be the second largest telco in this market. Second only to BT, in our view, is a small stake, and the largest broadcaster could be strategic. Defensively? Offensively? I don't know. But there's an opportunity to own that stake for 70% less than you thought we owned it, and we think that's a good trade. So we might look at that. We might not. We could hedge the position again once we unwind it. We could also hedge it again. So -- and expect us to be as financially astute and to take advantage of any opportunities around it to average down and be in a stronger position than we were a year ago on that strategic take -- position or strategic stakes.”

This is from the Q3 2020 Liberty results call transcript Q&A:

“......And then secondly, just interested to get your updated thoughts on the ITV stake. I believe that that collar position you have is now unwinding, I think, about 30% unwound in the quarter. So you're now running a kind of economic stake with equity exposure on the ITV stake again. Just interested in your thoughts on the kind of rationale for continuing to hold that, and what you want to do with that stake longer term? Thank you.

Mike Fries -- Chief Executive Officer

I'll take the second one. Lutz, you can take the first one. Look, on ITV, as you know, James, when we originally acquired our position some time ago, our average cost is well over GBP2. Fortunately, we collared that position and had virtually no economic exposure to the ups and downs of ITV. As those collars are expiring, we had a choice to make, and we decided to average down the price, around 70% or more. So we're essentially owning the shares that the market thinks we own anyway at about a 70% reduced price. In our minds, that was worth exploring, and we are doing that from time to time, and we think that's smart. We have no intention of doing anything with the stake. We have no intention of doing anything with ITV.”

Good on you 5Eights. Thank you. Every little helps. Lol

BARCLAYS RAISES ITV PRICE TARGET TO 115 (100) PENCE - 'EQUAL WEIGHT'

Yes good point Rock, I guess my next question would be why would LG recall their shareholding? LG will have been making big money for loaning out their 9.9% holding to GS. Plus what's happened to the other 9% holding that GS held back in August?

GameStop Corp Pre Market 371.00 +177.40 +91.63%

Regarding yesterdays RNS announcement from Goldman Sachs regarding their latest shareholding disposal in ITV that now stands at 1.74%, down from a high in August 2020 of over 21%, 9.9% of this holding was on behalf of Liberty Global.

I've done a little digging on the following.....
On 20 Jan 2021 GS disclosed that they had 218 options open that consisted of CFD's, Call Options, Put Options, swap's & Call Warrant's. They reported yesterday that they now only have 4 swaps open, so they have cancelled the other 214 options. What has spooked Goldman? It takes a lot to spook these big boys.

Hi Solley, I also have the the full amount in premium bonds. The rest is in property. Have you considered BT for a long-term play? Within 5 years you should at least double your investment, just my opinion, so please do your own research.

Hi Solley, I also have the the full amount in premium bonds. The rest is in property. Have you considered BT for a long-term play? Within 5 years you should at least double your investment, just my opinion, so please do your own research.

Something has definitely spooked Goldman Sachs, big boys don't move like that for nothing. What do GS know? Could the same thing that happened to GameSport Corp over the pond be about to happen with ITV? Marshalls closed their short. Shorters running for the hills.

Hi Velo, I use Investing.com its now showing....... After Hours 311.99 +118.39 +61.15%

TomTit.... "OCD? Or just full blown autism? Some people are just too emotionally attached and fixated with a share.... This is what happens if you do not spread your risk....."

I only have 30% of my wealth in shares and not all in one share. I see shares as a long-term gamble for a bit of interest, so jog on Tom, you bring nothing to the party, nothing.

I've just checked Gamestop ..........After Hours 263.00 +69.40 +35.85%

GameStop was up first thing about 25%, touched 482.55 closed at 197.44 down 43.18%. Crazy is an understatement.

ITV ADR's closed up on over 3 times the average volume of shares traded @ 14.69 +0.41 +2.87% ........After Hours 14.76 +0.07 +0.44%

Rock, the vast content that ITV owns is worth 100p per share, minimum.

If ITV are taking steps to defend a takeover bid I would think that the ITV board of directors are expecting a low-ball bid, in this case the BOD do right to defend itself. I believe any bid less than the valuation of all parts of ITV, said to be 192p per share would quite rightly be turned down as not in its shareholders best interests. Interesting times ahead guys, let's see what unfolds, if indeed anything does unfold.

I personally don't think that ITV need a takeover bid for the share price to recover to pre Covid 152p, and previous levels of 180p. Once Covid is under control and the economy starts its recovery so will ITV share price. Just my opinion of cause. DYOR.

Rock, GS held over 21% of ITV in August including the 9.9% they held on behalf of LG.

Carrington, yes you make a very good point.

I don't know what happened with the closing price falling 1p at the UT.

5Eights, did your contacts have any information?