Rumours have flown in recent days concerning an imminent purchase of Czech film studio Barrandov, but the company says that a quick deal is unlikely.

The weekly Prague Business Journal last week reported that an unnamed "small group of Los Angeles film makers" were making a bid for Barrandov and could clinch the deal "within the next few days."

But the company says a sale is on the immediate horizon. "I don't think there should be a decision taken in the next couple of days," said Barrandov spokesman Radek Vitek, on Friday, adding, "I'm also not aware of any deadline."

At least one bidder also considers it unlikely that the sale will soon be announced. "I don't see much occurring in the next two to three months," said Phil Nerland, the head of Vancouver-based Digital Accelerator.

Nerland claims to speak for the Canadian consortium Kodiak, whose exclusive bid for Barrandov was widely rumoured to have hit snags earlier this year when funding for the purchase evaporated.

Nerland says funding is secure and blames the delay on the slow-paced Czech business environment."We are in the middle of finishing up the process," he said.

Matthew Stillman, head of local film production company Stillking Films, has also confirmed interest in the studio. Leading Czech Television station TV Nova is also said to be a prospective buyer as well, and Calgary's VisuaLABS has been linked to the sale.

Investors are interested in capitalising on the assets of this historic "film village" in the Prague suburbs, which they say lacks strategic management. Current owner, Moravia Steel is interesting in shedding the studios to focus on its core business.

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