(Telecompaper) International cable company Liberty Global has acquired 259.8 million shares in UK terrestrial broadcaster ITV from British Sky Broadcasting for approximately GBP 481 million. The investment gives Liberty an around 6.4 percent stake in ITV. Liberty Global will fund the purchase through existing liquidity and a loan linked to a hedging transaction secured by ITV shares. No regulatory approval is required with this level of investment. Liberty Global said it does not intend to make an offer to acquire ITV but reserves the right to announce an offer or participate in an offer for ITV within the next six months. CEO Mike Fries described the move as an opportunistic and attractive investment in Liberty Global's largest cable market.