Travers Smith LLP has advised UTV Media on the sale of its television business to ITV in a transaction valued at £100 million.
UTV Media is the leading commercial broadcaster in Northern Ireland. Its television business consists of UTV Northern Ireland and recently launched UTV Ireland. The company has operated since 1959 and broadcasts many of Northern Ireland's most watched programmes. UTV Media will retain its successful portfolio of radio stations, including Talksport, which are responsible for about 60% of UTV Media's revenue
The Travers Smith team, which advised UTV Media, was led by corporate finance partner Andrew Gillen, who was assisted by associate Andrew Gofton–Salmond. Commercial partner Richard Brown provided specialist media law advice on the transaction.
ITV was advised by Slaughter & May.