Murdoch set for battle

RUPERT Murdoch’s News Corp is among potential bidders for financial media firm Mergermarket.

It is expected to battle other news groups and ratings agencies. Mergermarket parent Acuris could be sold for more than £1bn.

German tycoon Axel Springer and American credit agencies Standard & Poor’s, Fitch and Moody’s are also in the running. Acuris, bought by BC Partners for £382m in 2013, is seen as attractive because of the 190,000 subscribers it boasts and the steady income they provide.

It posted annual profits of £75m. Private equity firms KKR, Advent International, Hellman & Friedman and EQT are also said to be considering bids.