Satellite : TiVo Open to Takeover Bid

[fatone147]

Report: TiVo Open to Takeover Bid
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (February 8, 2012) -- TiVo is open to a takeover bid, writes the research firm SNL Kagan.

In a blog post at its web site, SNL Kagan writes that "a source close to the matter" said the DVR company would consider "solid buyout bids to boost shareholder value, although the current plan is to remain independent."

Almost since its launch nearly 15 years ago, TiVo has been the subject of buyout rumors with companies such as Microsoft, Apple, Amazon and DIRECTV considered possible suitors. But TiVo executives have resisted all offers to date, believing that it can be more successful as an independent company.
: Fta Files - FTA-GODS.COM Satellite : TiVo Open to Takeover Bid

However, TiVo could now be at a crossroads with a subscriber base at roughly two million, less than half of the company high of 4.4 million in 2006. The company has worked feverishly to develop partnerships with U.S. TV providers to generate new subs, but thus far, it has been most successful of late in gaining new subs from its partnership with a UK provider, Virgin Media.
: Fta Files - FTA-GODS.COM Satellite : TiVo Open to Takeover Bid

Still, TiVo's impressive DVR patent portfolio, which has netted the company hundreds of millions in patent lawsuits, could be an attractive lure.
: Fta Files - FTA-GODS.COM Satellite : TiVo Open to Takeover Bid

SNL notes that Barron's recently published a positive profile of the company's financial picture and suggested Microsoft and Google could be interested in a takeover bid.