Nielsen Owner VNU Facing Takeover Bid

Dutch media company VNU, owner of television ratings firm Nielsen Media Research, said it had been approached by more than one company interested in taking it over and was now considering its options.

"There can be no assurance that this process will result in any specific transaction," VNU said.

The news follows VNU's failed $6.8-billion bid to buy Fairfield, Conn.-based IMS Health Inc., which led to the resignation of VNU's chief executive, Rob van der Bergh.