RE: SONY!22 Dec 2024 16:37
ITV's defacto role as a public service broadcaster makes government intervention likely in any major ownership change.
A government-involved takeover of ITV could take 6 months to over a year, depending on regulatory and political factors. Following any announcement of a bid, if that ever happens, the UK Takeover Panel oversees compliance, while the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) may conduct investigations lasting several months. The government could intervene under laws like the Enterprise Act 2002 or National Security and Investment Act 2021 if concerns about media plurality, public interest, or national security arise. Any decision to block or impose conditions may lead to legal challenges, further delaying the process. Ultimately, approval or rejection could take significant time based on complexity and scrutiny.