Now that the rules have changed on television companies changing hands in the middle of their franchises, Thames Television Plc has opened talks with Carlton Communications Plc – in process of acquiring UEI Plc – that could lead to Carlton, which tried to buy Thames in 1985, making an agreed bid for the firm; Thorn EMI Plc and BET Plc each have 28% of Thames, and both would be sellers at an appropriate price.
