Bertelsmann, the German media group, is seeking $1.2bn-$1.5bn for its half share in Sony BMG after opening talks that could result in Sony gaining full control of the world’s second-largest music company within weeks. Bertelsmann and Sony agreed when they merged Sony Music and Bertelsmann Music Group that either side could buy the other out by August 2009. They hope to strike a deal over the summer, putting an early end to a joint venture launched in August 2004. But the talks could still founder or be overtaken by interest from third parties, warned people close to the deal.
