Prague's legendary AB Barrandov Studios is close to changing hands, according to local newspaper reports.

Owner Moravia Steel is understood to be weeks away from closing a deal with a consortium of North American film industry investors known as the Kodiak Group. The deal would end Moravia's four-year search for an investor to buy its 80% share in Barrandov, one of the largest studios in Europe.

But other potential deals have fallen flat because of price and company control issues. The problems have reportedly re-surfaced in the current negotiations, with Kodiak challenging the state's continued involvement in Barrandov. In theory, the government's "golden share" of 20% gives it veto rights over major corporate decisions.