BusinessITV bid talk buoys Entertainment OneITV could be in the market for Peppa Pig-owner Entertainment OneEntertainment OneNick Goodway14 April 2016Shares in Peppa Pig owner and Oscar-winning Spotlight distributor Entertainment One shot up 10% today after reports that it is the latest takeover target for ITV.That was despite the London-listed film and TV programme distributor — which is handling the present thriller starring Dame Helen Mirren and the late Alan Rickman, Eye in the Sky — saying it had not been approached.In a short, two-line statement to the stock market it said: “Entertainment One notes the press speculation regarding a potential offer. No approach has been received by eOne.”The shares gained 16p to 174.6p valuing the business at £755 million. The shares climbed as high as 328p last summer but were hit badly last December when the business unexpectedly raised £285 million of new debt which significantly increased its interest costs.ITV declined to comment today.But analysts at Liberum, who have a price target of 385p and a Buy recommendation on eOne shares, said: “We believe that this deal would make sense for ITV.“ITV has the financial capability to do this deal and acquiring EOne’s business would significantly build ITV’s content reach.”MORE ABOUTPeppa PigItvEntertainment OneSpotlight