There is growing speculation amongst the media industry that Seven West Media is looking to either launch a takeover bid or strike a merger deal with HT&E (formerly known as APN News and Media).

It is rumoured that the two companies have been in talks recently around a potential takeover by Seven – which is keen to nab HT&E’s radio assets – or a merger deal, according to The Australian.

However, both Seven and HT&E have reportedly denied that any talks have in fact taken place.

Furthermore, if the two companies agree on a deal of sorts, it won’t come to fruition unless the media reforms are passed next week.

These rumours aren’t the only ones that Seven is dealing with at the moment either, with The Australian also reporting that the free-to-air broadcaster is on the hunt for a new chief operating officer to help reposition the business.