Tele Züri: Wagner and Ringier pull out
A few days ago, Tamedia responded to the purchase offers for Tele Züri, Tele Bärn as well as Radio 24 and Capital FM. Ex-publisher Martin Wagner and Ringier are apparently dropping out of the race. Their purchase offers were too low for Tamedia.
An advertising market pool Zurich/Basel, an exclusive cooperation with Tamedia media and an implementation of social gaming such as Pokermania were offered, Wagner revealed to Sonntag. According to the newspaper's research, the offer is likely to have been a maximum of 20 million. According to Wagner, this is far too low for Tamedia. However, he does not want to make any improvements. Tamedia's behavior shows that the media group is not concerned with a credible commercial concept, but rather with achieving the highest possible proceeds, Wagner continues.
The media group Ringier, which according to Sonntag had offered even less, also withdrew. It is said to have offered a maximum of 15 million francs. Tamedia CEO Martin Kall wanted "the number 3" on the front, which Ringier said was too expensive. In addition, he said, the company now wants to adjust its TV strategy. According to a management decision, the purchase of a TV station is no longer an option. Ringier is keeping a low profile for the time being. Spokesman Edi Estermann said the company would soon provide information on how to proceed.
Who is still in the race?
The remaining potential buyers must now submit a binding offer by the end of July. Which bidders are still in the running remains speculative. Swiss sports television and the TV station 3+ are likely to be in the second round. AZ publisher Peter Wanner is also said to be interested, according to Sonntag. Other bidders include a group of investors led by SVP Vice President Christoph Blocher and an investor from Kazakhstan, who is bidding through a Swiss straw man, according to the report.
