Alexander Levin, the controlling shareholder in Channel 9, the Russian-language designated cable channel, is in advanced talks to buy shares in Channel 10. Levin, who immigrated from Russia in 2013, has already conducted due diligence in Channel 10, which is controlled by Yosef Maiman.
Sources at Channel 10 confirm that, following the due diligence, the commercial television station is waiting for Levin to announce his next step.
Levin (53) heads Stockholm-based TeleAlliance Media Holding AB and TeleAlliance Media Group. Since acquiring Channel 9 from Lev Leviev in 2013, a deal that made him an Israeli citizen, he has invested tens of millions of shekels in the cable television station, which is due to move to new studios now under construction in Modiin.
Channel 10 needs an investor in order to obtain a license at the end of 2014, the Second Television and Radio Broadcasting Authority decided on the channel's application in late 2013. Greek television broadcaster Antenna Group, which operates free and pay-TV channels across Europe, has expressed an interest in Channel 10.
Maiman's spokesman was unavailable for comment. Levin's representatives at Channel 9 said they could not comment.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on February 6, 2014
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