AEG and Oakley among HMV Live potential bidders

A number of high-profile potential bidders are turning their attention towards HMV Live, following the announcement before Christmas that it was considering selling the music venue business, Music Week has reported.

HMV stated last month: "The Board has initiated a strategic review of HMV Live which may lead to its sale, the proceeds of which would strengthen the financial position of the Group."

It is reported that Time Out owner Oakley Capital, is just one of a number of potential buyers for HMV Live, which runs 13 venues, including Hammersmith Apollo and the Jazz Café in London.

Citigroup, which is conducting the sale of HMV Live, is also said to have been contacted by O2 arena owner AEG, NEC and a number of music publishers that are interested in running live music venues.

HMV’s Simon Fox believes that the live arm will recieve more than the £60m HMV originally paid for it.