Universal denies deal with Mediaset, Quinta

May 14, 2008 Universal Studios has dismissed reports as "nonsensical" that Italian broadcaster Mediaset and Paris-based Quinta Communications are on the verge of a blockbuster deal that could involve a takeover of studio. The reported mega-deal -- which would reunite long-time allies Silvio Berlusconi from Mediaset and Quinta's Tarak Ben Ammar -- will be announced Wednesday in Cannes, according to the Milan-based financial daily Finanza Mercati. Such a move would fit into Mediaset's efforts to diversify away from its traditional television broadcasting base into a content producer.

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