Viacom, CBS Future Looks Uncertain in Autumn of Sumner

The Economist: Within five years, Viacom could be sized up for a takeover. Sumner Redstone, 91, would never tolerate the sale of any of his media assets while he is alive, said Mario Gabelli of Gamco, an asset manager that is one of Viacom’s largest shareholders. However, after Redstone is gone, his interests in Viacom and CBS will be placed in a generation-skipping trust. The trustees are supposed to act in the beneficiaries’ best interest, which means they would surely consider a good offer, were it to come along, for all or part of Viacom.