CBS Corp. and Viacom Inc. moved a step closer to reuniting as the boards of the two entities have agreed on a top management structure for a combined company.
CBS’ acting chief executive, Joseph Ianniello, would become the leader of the CBS assets, which include the broadcast network, a chain of television stations and premium pay channel Showtime.There would be no official No. 2 executive at a combined CBS-Viacom, the knowledgeable person said. However, CBS’ chief financial officer Christina Spade is expected to become the CFO for the merged entity. Viacom’s No. 2 executive Wade Davis would likely depart.
CBS’ board has been largely reconstituted since last September, part of an larger pact that saw former CBS Chief ExecutiveUntil his departure, CBS’ independent shareholders were locked in a bitter legal dispute with the mogul’s daughter, Shari Redstone, who has stepped in to manage the family’s affairs given the poor health of her 96-year-old father. Moonves had opposed merging with Viacom, fearing the stronger CBS would be weighed down by Viacom’s underperforming businesses.
Though Viacom is less valuable than CBS, Bakish has long been seen by Wall Street as the leading contender to run a combined CBS-Viacom.
Good.
Australia Australia Latest News, Australia Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Source: THR - 🏆 411. / 53 Read more »
Source: WSJ - 🏆 98. / 63 Read more »
Source: Variety - 🏆 108. / 63 Read more »