|
The
report added to turmoil over the future of Viacom, the
conglomerate that owns MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and
other TV channels, as Dauman faces pressure to boost the
company's stock price.
Dauman announced in February that the company would seek a buyer
for a minority stake in the studio, a prize asset.
Dauman visited the home of 92-year-old Redstone in February to
seek his support for the plan, the Journal reported, citing
people familiar with the matter.
Even though Redstone has trouble speaking, Dauman thought he
heard “yes,” the newspaper said, quoting unidentified sources.
He later recounted his visit to Viacom’s board of directors,
telling them that a nurse had seen Redstone agree to the plan,
which could help pacify Viacom investors who want major
strategic changes.
After the sale plan was announced, Redstone summoned Paramount
chief Brad Grey and expressed displeasure about the potential
sale, the newspaper reported.
Redstone later said the same thing to other people, including
Dauman. “I don’t want to sell Paramount,” Redstone said
repeatedly, the Journal said, citing people familiar with the
matter.
It said Redstone did not raise any opposition at a February
board meeting of Viacom. The company could not be immediately
reached for comment on Monday.
Hollywood media reports said a deal for a minority stake in
Paramount is expected by the end of June and that company
insiders have said more than three dozen parties are interested
in bidding on a piece of the film studio.
The Hollywood Reporter quoted a Viacom spokesman as saying after
the Journal report that the sale process was continuing.
Redstone has faced a lawsuit by his ex-girlfriend that
challenged his mental competency. Lawyers acting for Redstone
reached preliminary settlement over the lawsuit.
(Reporting by Arunima Banerjee in Bengaluru)
[© 2016 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2016 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
|
