The Spanish telecommunications group Telefonica says it may sell all or part of its controlling stake in Endemol, which invented the 'Big Brother' television programme.
There has been much press speculation recently that Telefonica wanted to withdraw from its 75% interest in Endemol, which is worth €2.6 billion on the Amsterdam stock exchange.
The Big Brother concept has become popular with television viewers in many countries.
Telefonica, which owns mobile group O2, said it was studying 'strategic alternatives' for the holding in Endemol, including the possible sale of all or part of the shares.
