The man behind a mystery consortium's bid to buy ATV last night revealed the group had informed Beijing of the proposed purchase.
In an interview on ATV news, Bruno Wu Ching said he had connections with mainland officials who were told about the deal during its initial stages.
'We were told by people from Beijing that this is completely a matter within [the] SAR Government and totally under the jurisdiction of SAR law,' Shanghai-born Mr Wu said.
His comments follow revelations in the South China Morning Post of a legal battle he and his wife, Yang Lan, are having with former Warner Records head Robert Morgado over a defunct mainland media venture.
The Post also revealed the mainland connections of businessman Liu Changle, who is believed to have a stake in the purchase.
ATV said Mr Wu 'readily admits' having connections with mainland officials, but 'plays down their significance'.
