SYDNEY (Dow Jones)--Seven Network Ltd. (SEV.AU) chairman and major shareholder Kerry Stokes has built a 4.82% stake in rival media group Consolidated Media Holdings Ltd. (CMJ.AU), the Australian Financial Review reported Friday. Citing unnamed sources, the newspaper said Stokes used nominee companies to acquire the stake, worth around $100 million, in the broadcasting and publishing company, which is controlled by rival media mogul James Packer with a 38.4% stake.
2249 GMT [Dow Jones] Seven Network Ltd. (SEV.AU) Chairman Kerry Stokes has built a 4.82% stake in James Packer's Consolidated Media Holdings Ltd. (CMJ.AU), reports the Australian Financial Review. Could be seen as precursor to a potential blocking stake to any rival takeover of CMJ. Citing unnamed sources, the newspaper says Stokes has built stake through nominee companies with on-market purchases and could also be test of new cross media ownership laws depending on if CMJ's 25% ownership of PBL Media, owner of rival Nine network, constitutes control. Move could also prompt speculators to move into CMJ in hopes of more buying support. SEV and CMJ spokespeople not immediately available for comment. CMJ last A$3.16, SEV last A$8.10. (WEL)
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