With some analysts doubting Setanta's future after it failed to renew both its Premiere League packages, Access Industries, which is headed by the Russian-born US citizen Len Blavatnik, is understood to have acquired a stake of about 3%.

Blavatnik’s petrochemicals business, Lyondell Basell filed for bankruptcy protection last month owing $26bn. Royal Bank of Scotland was forced to write off a £2.5bn loan to the company made by ABN Amro, the Dutch bank which was taken over by RBS.

Blavatnik’s company also has a shareholding in Top Up TV, the pay-television company founded by the former BSkyB executive David Chance.

Other posts by :

1. Amazon Leo gains South Africa link
2. Eutelsat wants an extra 528 satellites
3. FCC approves orbital space mirrors
4. Analysts: “Unknown Unknowns for SpaceX”
5. Ligado’s bankruptcy clean-up continues
6. Arianespace to offer ‘rideshare’ launches
7. Space industry warns Europe must do more
8. Banks increase SpaceX forecasts
9. Orbex bankruptcy details released

Categories: Articles, Broadcast, Business, Content, M&A, Pay TV, Rights