BSkyB’s Living TV deal approved

The UK Office of Fair Trading has given its final approval to BSkyB’s acquisition of the Living TV group from cable operator Virgin Media. News Corp-backed pay-TV operator BSkyB made the move for Living in early June and the deal was then referred to the OFT.

Sky paid an initial £105m (€125m) for the channels group, which comprises LIVING, LIVINGit, Challenge, Challenge Jackpot, Bravo, Bravo 2 and Virgin1, which has since been rebranded Channel One. Having received the final necessary approval Sky will now pay an additional £55m to Virgin Media.