Starz is talking to media companies about a buyout in the $5B range (a lush 46% premium over its current market cap), according to the New York Post. CBS (NYSE:CBS) and Lions Gate (NYSE:LGF) have both shown an interest, say sources. If an outright sale isn't worked out, a strategic partnership could also be in the works as Starz (NASDAQ:STRZA) looks to edge into the streaming world .
SA


Starz looking to sell itself for $5B

The suitors are aligning for Starz.

Talks to acquire the pay-TV channel controlled by John Malone are heating up with Starz said to be seeking around $5 billion, The Post has learned.

The business has drawn interest from CBS Corp., the owner of rival premium channel Showtime, and “The Hunger Games” studio Lionsgate, sources said.

A deal for Starz could bolster either company’s existing pay-TV assets. CBS’s Showtime is the No. 2 player behind Time Warner’s HBO, while Lionsgate is part owner of smaller rival Epix, along with Viacom’s Paramount and MGM.

Earlier reports suggested 21st Century Fox had met with Starz execs, but sources said the meeting was more a courtesy than anything.

http://nypost.com/2014/11/21/will-starz-align...llar-deal/


......things seem to be heating up, (CBS group Vs ???) ; )